Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed victory in an election that many people say wasn’t fair. Critics argue that the election wasn’t democratic, but Putin says it shows his strength and the country’s unity.
In a press conference after the election, Putin said the result proves that Russia won’t be intimidated, especially after the conflict with Ukraine. He stated confidently that nobody in history has succeeded in challenging Russia’s will.
The election results were predictable. Putin got about 87 percent of the vote, with nearly 60 percent of polling stations counted. This victory means he’ll be the longest-serving leader of Russia in over 200 years, surpassing even Joseph Stalin.
Turnout for the election was high, at 74.22 percent. However, many of Putin’s critics were not able to participate because they’re in jail, exile, or even dead. Alexey Navalny, one of Putin’s main rivals, died recently in prison.
The United States and the United Kingdom have criticized the election, calling it unfair. Even Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy denounced it as fraudulent. Despite protests against him and international criticism, Putin remains firmly in control, showing no signs of stepping down anytime soon.