Russian Presidential Elections 2024: Putin’s Extended Rule
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed a landslide victory in the country’s presidential elections, extending his rule till 2030. With over 80% of the votes counted by 1 AM (Moscow Time), Putin was leading the race with an estimated 87.15% of total votes polled.
Key Points:
- Putin is on course to become the longest-ruling Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the late 1700s.
- Putin’s closest opponent, Nikolay Kharitonov of the Communist Party, expected to come in second with 4.2% of total votes.
- Voter turnout across Russia topped 74%, according to the country’s Central Election Commission.
Putin’s Victory Speech
In a speech at his campaign headquarters, Putin denounced Western criticism of the elections, stating that the West’s reaction was as expected. He addressed the armed conflict with the West and their goal to contain Russia’s development.
Navalny’s Death and Exchange
Putin revealed his approval of the exchange of Alexei Navalny for Russian prisoners in the West shortly before Navalny’s death. He acknowledged the situation and stated, “But that’s life.”
Conflict with NATO
Regarding a potential conflict with NATO, Putin expressed that in the modern world, anything is possible. He emphasized the importance of strengthening defense capacity and the military.
Putin’s Victory in ‘New’ Territories
Putin secured significant votes in regions like Luhansk, Donetsk, Tyva, Khakassia, Yakutia, Zaporozhye, Kherson, Khabarovsk, and Chukotka Autonomous Region, despite ongoing tensions.
Economic Resilience
Despite Western sanctions and the war in Ukraine, Putin’s focus on domestic manufacturing and strategic trade practices helped sustain the Russian economy.
By 2029, Putin’s tenure will surpass that of Joseph Stalin, making him the longest-serving Russian leader since Catherine the Great.