Russia Fails At Dismissing Putin Who Ordered Ukrainian Residents There To Vote For Him At GunPoint

US & GLOBAL: This weekend, news emerges from Russia involving the re-election of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last week's election sent Putin on his return to the nation's government marking the Russian leader's 20th year in office. The dubious victory by Putin is, now, questioned by critics who have lodged complaints against Russian police' literal use of 'gun-point' force to secure votes for Putin by Ukrainian residents held in Russia.

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On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin secured his fifth term in office, winning the re election by a landslide. State media reports indicate that he garnered 87% of the vote, while his closest challenger received less than 5%1. This victory extends Putin’s rule for another six years, marking a total of nearly a quarter century in power.

However, this election has been met with controversy and opposition. Dissidents and critics have raised concerns about the legitimacy of Putin’s victory. During the election, protesters demonstrated their opposition by throwing Molotov cocktails and pouring dye into ballot boxes at some polling locations.

The tightly controlled environment, lack of real alternatives to Putin, and the absence of public criticism or dissent have fueled skepticism about the electoral process.

Notably, Putin’s fiercest political opponent, Alexei Navalny, passed away in an Arctic prison last month, and other critics find themselves either incarcerated or in exile. Despite these challenges, Navalny’s associates encouraged dissatisfied citizens to protest by participating in the polls, a strategy that gained traction across Russia.

While Putin boasts of Russian battlefield successes, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, a massive Ukrainian drone attack across Russia served as a reminder of the geopolitical challenges faced by Moscow3. The Russian defense industry continues to operate around the clock, producing missiles, tanks, and ammunition despite Western sanctions.

On the world spectrum, Putin’s re-election has sparked both celebration, perhaps, by Iranian supporters and controversy, reflecting the complex political landscape in Russia. His continued leadership will undoubtedly shape the nation’s trajectory in the years to come.