What's happened
Vladimir Putin claims victory in the Russian presidential elections with over 87% of the vote. Thousands protest against Putin at polling stations in major cities, with Yulia Navalnaya joining the protesters. Over 75 people are arrested during 'Noon Against Putin' protests in Russia. 400-500 people queue at the Russian embassy in Brussels to protest against Putin. Russians engage in acts of protest against Putin during the presidential elections, with long lines forming outside polling stations in major cities.
Why it matters
Vladimir Putin's victory in the Russian presidential elections, despite widespread protests, highlights the lack of genuine opposition in the country. The arrests of protesters and the significant turnout at polling stations demonstrate a growing dissent against Putin's rule. The international community will be closely watching the aftermath of these elections and the impact they may have on Russia's domestic and foreign policies.
What the papers say
The Independent and New York Times report on the protests against Putin during the Russian presidential elections, highlighting the significant turnout and arrests of protesters. The Independent also covers Yulia Navalnaya's participation in the protests, emphasizing her role in continuing her late husband's work. Metro provides insights into the protests in London, showcasing expats' dissatisfaction with Putin's regime. Sky News discusses the scattered incidents of defiance against Putin and the calls for protests by Alexei Navalny's associates.
How we got here
Vladimir Putin's dominance in Russian politics has been evident for years, with opposition forces being firmly suppressed. The recent presidential elections, marred by allegations of rigging and lack of genuine opposition, have sparked widespread protests across Russia and in various international cities. The protests, endorsed by the late Alexei Navalny, aim to show dissent against Putin's rule and the lack of political freedom in the country. The international community continues to monitor the situation in Russia closely, especially in the wake of Putin's victory.
More on these topics
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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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.
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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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Yulia Borisovna Navalnaya is a Russian public figure, economist and the wife of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. She has been described in media as the "First Lady" of the Russian opposition and as a hypothetical candidate for the leadership
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.