"Russian Opposition Sparks Massive Turnout at Polling Stations Against Putin's Extended Rule"

Russian voters responded to opposition leader Alexei Navalny's call to protest Vladimir Putin's authoritarian rule by forming long lines to vote against him at noon Sunday, despite warnings from authorities and severe repression of dissent. The "Noon Against Putin" protest, a futile but striking display of solidarity and dissent, aimed to counteract the Kremlin's message of Putin's massive support. Navalny's widow accused Putin of ordering his killing, and many Western leaders hold Putin responsible. The election, widely condemned as neither free nor fair, featured Kremlin-friendly candidates and limited opposition. The protest, while largely symbolic, demonstrated public anger and support for critics of Putin and the war, with similar demonstrations at Russian embassies abroad.