Vladimir Putin’s re-election as Russia’s president has elicited pointed responses from international leaders, according to NDTV. Russia’s VTsIOM poll confirmed Putin’s win as voting concluded in Kaliningrad at 17:00 GMT.
A White House National Security Council spokesperson criticized the legitimacy of the election. They highlighted Putin’s imprisonment of rivals and restrictions on candidate eligibility as evidence of unfair conditions.
The German Foreign Ministry was similarly critical, labelling the elections a sham. They underscored the undemocratic nature of Putin’s regime, characterized by censorship and oppression. Additionally, they dismissed the election results from occupied Ukrainian regions as illegal.
The British Foreign Office expressed concerns over Russian electoral activities in Ukrainian territories. They emphasized such acts undermine peace efforts.
Read: Putin Wins with 88% in Russian Presidential Election, Poised to Outlast Stalin’s Tenure
Moreover, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine. They promised ongoing humanitarian, economic, and military assistance to uphold democratic values.