Vladimir Putin’s overwhelming victory in the presidential elections, according to the Kremlin, demonstrates the unity and support of the Russian people for him and his policies. Despite the high praises from China, this tightly controlled election has been labelled a farce by Western capitals and Kyiv. Election monitors reported that Putin secured 87% of the votes, a record figure in Russia’s post-soviet history. These totals were achieved in a ballot environment that excluded all genuine opposition candidates, featured unclear electronic voting in numerous regions and proceeded to poll in Ukrainian areas under occupation.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, characterised this victory as a unique achievement, noteworthy of the reigning president. The public backing for Putin is an emphatic triumph as a contender, and it confirms the nation’s support and unity under his leadership.
Within his span of 24 years in power, Putin has suppressed the opposition, press freedom, and civil society in Russia. This crackdown has escalated following the full-fledged invasion of Ukraine that has led to the death, injury, and displacement of hundreds of thousands of military personnel, civilians, and Ukrainians.
The European Union’s leading foreign policy official, Josep Borrell, criticised Russia’s presidential elections for happening in a heavily constrained environment, where voters lacked a genuine choice and faced continual internal oppression. He voiced his condemnation of the unauthorised elections in occupied Ukrainian regions. Annalena Baerbock, German’s foreign affairs minister, and France’s foreign ministry also dismissed and denounced the election in the occupied Ukraine, vowing never to acknowledge these so-called ‘elections’.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine accused Putin, aged 71, of being power-hungry and accused him of being ready to commit atrocities to maintain his authority indefinitely. A similar sentiment was echoed by Britain’s foreign secretary, David Cameron, who emphasised that these elections highlight the extent of repression under Putin’s regime, which strive to quash any opposition to his unlawful war. The White House’s National Security Council spokesperson also argued that the elections cannot be deemed free or fair due to Putin’s approach of imprisoning political adversaries and impeding others from challenging him.
The adoption of Western sanctions against Russia has instigated its pivot towards increased trade partnerships with China, India, and other nations within Asia. Moscow has been attempting to persuade nations in what is referred to as the ‘global south’ that their intrusion into Ukraine is in essence a defensive measure against a ‘colonialist’ West, orchestrated by a belligerent United States.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has shown his support by stating that the re-election bears testimony to the Russian people’s support. He further voiced his conviction that under such leadership, Russia is bound to make significant strides in its national growth and development.
“China considers the progression of China-Russia relations as an area of significant importance”, expressed Jinping.
Meanwhile, Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, has expressed his anticipation towards amplifying his nation’s “long-standing special and privileged strategic relationship” with Russia.