Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday secured another term in a vote that had no strong opponents.
The Central Election Commission of Russia stated that Putin received 87 percent of the vote to secure six more years in office with almost all precincts reporting.
Ella Pamfilova, the head of the Central Election Commission, stated that nearly 76 million people voted for Putin, which is his highest vote count ever. After the results were announced, Putin stated that his victory indicates Russia's 'hope' and 'trust' in him.
Putin said at a meeting with volunteers that despite the challenges ahead, no one has been able to intimidate or suppress Russia when united, and they will continue to fail in the future.
Western officials and critics of Russia have criticized the elections as a fraud due to Russia's silencing of criticism and opposition to Putin.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address that Putin was 'simulating another election.'
Zelensky also stated, 'There must be fair consequences for the actions of Russian forces in this war and for Putin's lifelong power. There is no legitimacy in this imitation of elections and there cannot be.'
The French foreign ministry and Germany's Foreign Ministry expressed that the conditions for a free, diverse and democratic election were not fulfilled and the result was not surprising. reported.
Putin's main rival, Alexei Navalny, passed away while serving a 19-year prison sentence last month. Global leaders, including President Biden, have accused Putin for Navalny's death. have blamed Putin for the death of the opposition leader. During a press conference on Sunday, Putin acknowledged the death of Navalny and said that he supported a prisoner swap for his top rival just days before his death.
The Associated Press contributed.
