Putin wins presidential election amid global skepticism and protests

The TASS agency has reported the initial results of the presidential election in Russia. It's clear—Vladimir Putin has once again emerged as the victor. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on these events, stating, "Putin will do everything to rule forever." The West has expressed skepticism about the integrity of the election, with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing a statement regarding the matter.

"Vladimir Putin has the power and will do everything to rule forever. There’s no act of malice he would avoid to extend his reign. No one in the world is safe from this threat,” remarked the Ukrainian President in his daily video message shared on social media.

“There can be no legitimization of these sham elections. This man must face justice in The Hague. That is our collective duty," the president added.

According to the TASS agency's exit poll results, Vladimir Putin secured the presidential election with over 87 percent of the vote, leaving his competitors trailing with no more than 4 percent each.

The West is questioning the legitimacy of the Russian elections. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also voiced its concern, stating, "From March 15-17, so-called presidential elections were held in Russia, conducted amidst severe repression of society, undermining the possibility of a free, democratic choice." The communique further stressed, "These elections cannot be deemed legal, free, or fair".

During the three-day election period in Russia, particularly during the "Noon Against Putin" protest on Sunday, at least 80 people were detained across 17 Russian cities, as reported by the independent human rights agency OVD-Info.

Numerous incidents marred the voting process, including the burning of ballots, attacks on election premises, hurling Molotov cocktails, and the sabotage of ballot boxes with ink. Additionally, the acceptance of votes from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories sparked outrage in the West.