Russia-Ukraine war live: west criticises Putin’s election win as ‘another breach of international law’
Western leaders condemn Putin’s ‘unjustifiable’ election victory
Leaders from Western countries have criticized what they perceive as a fraudulent Russian election, in which Vladimir Putin secured his fifth term as Russian president with an overwhelming victory of approximately 87%, according to exit polls.
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, dismissed the result as illegitimate.
“The entire world understands that this individual, like numerous others throughout history, has been corrupted by power and will stop at nothing to retain control indefinitely,” he stated.
“He is capable of committing any atrocity to maintain personal power, and no one is immune from his reach.”
John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, remarked, “The elections are clearly not free or fair, given Mr Putin’s imprisonment of political opponents and his obstruction of others from running against him.”
David Cameron, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, described the “illegitimate” elections as having “insufficient options for voters and the absence of independent OSCE monitoring,” adding, “This does not align with the principles of free and fair elections.”
The polls have closed in Russia, following the illegal holding of elections on Ukrainian territory, a lack of choice for voters and no independent OSCE monitoring.
This is not what free and fair elections look like.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 17, 2024
Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister, commented that the “elections were neither free nor fair.”
The Czech Foreign Minister, Jan Lipavsky, labeled the election a “farce and mockery.” He declared, “This Russian presidential election clearly demonstrates how this regime suppresses civil society, independent media, and opposition.”
However, some of Russia’s allies have congratulated Putin on his victory and expressed hopes for continued amicable relations.
Beijing extended congratulations to the Russian President, stating, “China and Russia are the largest neighbors and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners in this new era.”
Lin Jian, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, emphasized that Presidents Xi Jinping and Putin will sustain close exchanges, steer both countries to uphold longstanding neighborly friendship, and deepen comprehensive strategic coordination.
Milorad Dodik, leader of the Bosnian Serbs, enthused, “The Serb people jubilantly welcomed President Putin’s victory as they regard him as a remarkable statesman and a dependable friend who safeguards our nation.”
Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela, proclaimed, “Our elder brother has triumphed, which portends well for the world.”
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