President Vladimir Putin secured a record post-Soviet landslide victory in Russia's election, further solidifying his hold on power. Despite thousands of opponents staging protests at polling stations during noon, and the United States declaring the vote as neither free nor fair, Putin's dominance remains unshaken.
For Putin, a former KGB lieutenant colonel who ascended to power in 1999, the outcome serves as a stark reminder to the West that an assertive Russia will remain a force to be reckoned with, whether in times of conflict or peace, for the foreseeable future. The early outcome indicates that Putin, aged 71, will comfortably clinch another six-year term, surpassing Josef Stalin and setting a record as Russia's longest-serving leader in over two centuries.
According to an exit poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM), Putin secured an overwhelming 87.8% of the vote, marking the highest-ever result in Russia's post-Soviet history. Similarly, the Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) reported Putin's support at 87%. Initial official results aligned with the poll findings, affirming their accuracy.
"The elections are obviously not free nor fair given how Mr. Putin has imprisoned political opponents and prevented others from running against him," the White House's National Security Council spokesperson said.
The election comes just over two years since Putin triggered the deadliest European conflict since World War Two by ordering the invasion of Ukraine. He casts it as a "special military operation".
