What's happened
The Russian presidential election has been marred by protests, attacks, and disruptions, with critics of Putin calling for mass protests at polling stations. Opposition leader Navalny's widow has urged voters to spoil ballots in a show of dissent. The election has seen drone attacks, fires, and incursions into Russian territory, leading to a tense atmosphere.
Why it matters
The disruptions and protests during the Russian election highlight growing dissent and opposition to Putin's regime. The calls for mass protests and ballot spoiling indicate a significant challenge to the status quo. The outcome of the election and the response to the protests will have implications for the future of Russian politics and civil liberties.
What the papers say
France 24 reports on the surge in fatal Ukrainian bombardment and disruptions at polling stations, while The Guardian focuses on the calls for mass protests and ballot spoiling by critics of Putin. The Guardian also highlights the warnings from authorities against election protests and the harsh punishment for dissent in Russia.
How we got here
The Russian presidential election has been marked by tensions and controversies, with opposition leader Navalny's influence continuing even after his death. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has further heightened the political climate, leading to increased scrutiny of the election process and calls for transparency and accountability.
More on these topics
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Alexei Anatolievich Navalny is a Russian politician and anti-corruption activist. He gained prominence in Russia, and in Russian and international media, as a critic of corruption, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government.