"Russian Presidential Election Day Marked by Accusations, Discontent, and Global Protests"

Thousands of Russians protested outside polling stations in a symbolic move spurred by supporters of late dissident Alexei Navalny opposing President Vladimir Putin’s assured re-election, with Navalny's team describing their "Noon Against Putin" protest as a success. Despite tight controls and several cases of vandalism, many people also came out in support of Putin, with the country's three days of presidential voting believed by many to be fixed to ensure Putin's victory for a record-breaking six-year term, making him Russia's longest-serving leader.