Putin Secures Strong Election Wins in Annexed Ukraine Regions Amid Criticism of Rigged Votes

Russia held regional and municipal elections, including in regions annexed from Ukraine, delivering strong support for President Putin.
The elections faced criticism of vote rigging and were called a violation of international law by the Council of Europe.
Ukraine says the elections were an illegal attempt to tighten Moscow's grip on annexed regions.
The overwhelming vote for Putin's United Russia party delivered his message that he is the strongest guarantor of stability.
Opposition candidates faced obstacles like being blocked from running, and instances of vote rigging were reported, though the Kremlin says the elections are free and fair.

reuters.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/10/2023

Ukraine Aims to Retake Crimea, Russia's Strategic Stronghold in the Black Sea

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his forces in occupied southern Ukraine are determined to retain control of Crimea, as it is key to Russia's regional power projection and allows them to dominate the Black Sea region, project force into the Mediterranean, and supply their units in neighboring oblasts.

9/10/2023

Putin's Party Leads Sham Votes in Occupied Ukraine Before 2023 Russian Election

Russia's Central Elections Commission reported that the United Russia party, which supports President Vladimir Putin, was leading in local elections in four Ukrainian regions occupied by Russian forces, despite the elections being dismissed as a sham by Ukraine and its allies.

9/11/2023

EU, UN Denounce Russia's Actions in Ukraine; Fighting Continues in the East

The European Union condemns the "illegitimate" elections held in Russian-annexed parts of Ukraine, while a UN official says that Russia's aggression in Ukraine is synonymous with torture and inhuman cruelty; meanwhile, the Kremlin spokesperson claims that no one will be able to compete with Putin if he runs for president in 2024, and the UN Human Rights Commissioner states that Russia's withdrawal from a grain deal is fueling global food insecurity. Ukrainian forces regain control of drilling platforms near the Crimean coast and Putin arrives in Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum, while South Korean media reports that Kim Jong Un is en route to Russia, and Ukraine reports advances in Bakhmut and Donetsk city. Finally, Brazil's President Lula says it's up to the judiciary whether to arrest Putin if he visits the country.

9/11/2023

Russia Claims Victory in Sham Elections in Occupied Ukraine, But Results Questioned as Ukraine Makes Military Gains

Russia's President Vladimir Putin's political party has claimed victory in elections held in four Ukrainian territories that Russia illegally annexed, despite objections and allegations of illegitimacy from Kyiv and its Western allies.

9/17/2023

Trump Praises Putin After Saying He Could End Ukraine Crisis Quickly, Despite Concerns Over Ceding Land to Russia

Former President Donald Trump welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin's support for his plan to end the war in Ukraine, causing concern among Ukrainian leaders who fear it would involve giving Ukrainian land to Russia.

9/26/2023

Ukraine Faces Growing War Fatigue Among Allies as Russia Seeks to Exploit Cracks

As support for Ukraine from its international allies declines, there are concerns that Russia may exploit weaknesses and fractures in Ukraine's partnerships, particularly as elections in allied countries approach, and tensions between Ukraine and Poland heighten over agricultural exports.

10/5/2023

Putin Demands Absolute Loyalty from Inner Circle, Punishes Those Who Challenge His Authority

Russian President Vladimir Putin demands absolute loyalty from those in his inner-circle, valuing professionalism, efficiency, and loyalty above all else, with loyalty being the most important quality in Russia's archaic and medieval system, despite potential blind spots and consequences, as seen in the ill-fated invasion of Ukraine and the rise and fall of Yevgeny Prigozhin's power and influence.

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Posted 9/10/2023, 11:53:00 PM

Putin Secures Strong Election Wins in Annexed Ukraine Regions Amid Criticism of Rigged Votes

Russia held regional and municipal elections, including in regions annexed from Ukraine, delivering strong support for President Putin.
The elections faced criticism of vote rigging and were called a violation of international law by the Council of Europe.
Ukraine says the elections were an illegal attempt to tighten Moscow's grip on annexed regions.
The overwhelming vote for Putin's United Russia party delivered his message that he is the strongest guarantor of stability.
Opposition candidates faced obstacles like being blocked from running, and instances of vote rigging were reported, though the Kremlin says the elections are free and fair.

reuters.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/10/2023

Ukraine Aims to Retake Crimea, Russia's Strategic Stronghold in the Black Sea

9/10/2023

Putin's Party Leads Sham Votes in Occupied Ukraine Before 2023 Russian Election

9/11/2023

EU, UN Denounce Russia's Actions in Ukraine; Fighting Continues in the East

9/11/2023

Russia Claims Victory in Sham Elections in Occupied Ukraine, But Results Questioned as Ukraine Makes Military Gains

9/17/2023

Trump Praises Putin After Saying He Could End Ukraine Crisis Quickly, Despite Concerns Over Ceding Land to Russia

9/26/2023

Ukraine Faces Growing War Fatigue Among Allies as Russia Seeks to Exploit Cracks

10/5/2023

Putin Demands Absolute Loyalty from Inner Circle, Punishes Those Who Challenge His Authority