In Moscow on March 17, President Vladimir Putin secured an unprecedented post-Soviet victory in Russia’s election, reinforcing his firm hold on power. He touted this win as affirmation of Russia’s defiance against the West, particularly evident in its intervention in Ukraine. Putin, a former KGB officer who ascended to power in 1999, emphasized that the election’s outcome sends a clear message of Russia’s resilience, both in times of conflict and peace, for years to come.
With 87.8% of the vote, Putin achieved the highest post-Soviet victory margin, as indicated by an exit poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM), with the Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) confirming an 87% approval. Despite international criticism regarding political repression and censorship, initial official results mirrored the polls. Notably, major nations including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom denounced the election’s fairness due to the incarceration of political opponents.
Following Putin, Communist candidate Nikolai Kharitonov trailed with nearly 4%, while newcomer Vladislav Davankov and ultra-nationalist Leonid Slutsky followed. In his victory speech in Moscow, Putin pledged to prioritize resolving issues related to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine and reinforcing the country’s armed forces.
Amidst protests inspired by the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Putin dismissed their impact on the election’s outcome, asserting the democratic nature of Russia’s electoral process. Responding to inquiries about Navalny’s passing, Putin expressed condolences and confirmed readiness for a prisoner exchange involving the opposition figure.
When questioned by NBC about the democratic legitimacy of his reelection, Putin criticized the U.S. political and judicial systems, highlighting what he deemed as shortcomings. He framed Russia’s actions in Ukraine as defensive responses to perceived provocations, hinting at potential measures to secure Russia’s borders in the future.
Despite widespread international skepticism, voter turnout reached 74.22%, surpassing levels seen in the previous election. Observers noted increased participation, particularly among younger demographics, although reports of arrests and incidents of unrest surfaced across the country. Navalny’s absence left a void in the opposition movement, further consolidating Putin’s dominance in Russian politics.
Internationally, Putin’s leadership is viewed with suspicion, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy denounced the election as illegitimate, echoing Western sentiments regarding Putin’s authoritarian rule. For Putin, the election underscores his narrative of Russia’s enduring struggle against Western encroachment, positioning himself as a stalwart defender of Russian interests on the global stage.
