"Putin's Unchallenged Re-Election Tightens Grip on Power in Russia"

Vladimir Putin claimed a new six-year term in Russia's presidential election, which has been condemned as neither free nor fair by Western nations due to the barring of genuine opposition candidates and tight control over the media. The Central Election Commission reported record-high turnout and Putin's landslide victory with 87.28 percent of the vote, amidst allegations of electoral fraud and manipulation. The election took place amid Russia's war against Ukraine and following the sudden death of Putin's political rival, Alexei Navalny. Despite signs of public fury and protests, Putin declared broad public support and his intention to continue the war in Ukraine.