Putin’s Victory in Russia’s Election
President Vladimir Putin has secured his rule over Russia until 2030 after a heavily stage-managed election with no real opposition. Western governments have condemned the election, and some Russians tried to protest by forming long lines at polling stations. However, the Kremlin dismissed these challenges and claimed that Putin won 87 percent of the vote. The true extent of public support for Putin is difficult to gauge, as opposition candidates were barred from running and independent poll observers’ work was limited.
Putin is expected to use his new six-year term to further solidify his control of Russian politics and continue the war in Ukraine. He is set to become the longest-serving Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the 1700s.
In other news, after the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, Donald Trump and his allies have been working to counter what they call dangerous censorship of conservatives. This effort, supported by conservative donors, has weakened checks on disinformation.
2024-03-18 20:40:42
Link from www.nytimes.com