The elections are illegitimate. And Putin? What is the reaction of world leaders to the Russian presidential election?
18 March 2024 14:25
Yesterday, the “Putin election” ended in Russia. As of 12:45 p.m. on 18 March (Kyiv time), the Russian Central Election Commission counted 99.89% of the votes and gave Putin 87.30% of the support.
Komersant ukrainskyi 
has prepared a selection of reactions of world leaders to the “re-election” of the Russian dictator.
The West: putin’s “election” is not free, fair or honest
The reaction of the West was quite harsh, given how much they love streamlined diplomatic language. Apparently, no one is going to directly declare the illegitimacy of the Russian leader, but the current wording does not suggest that the election should be recognised either.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said:
“The election is clearly neither free nor fair, given the way Mr Putin has imprisoned political opponents and prevented others from running against him.”
EU Diplomacy Chief Josep Borrell emphasised two points: the undemocratic regime in Russia and the elections in the Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine.
“The EU emphasises that it will never recognise the so-called ‘elections’ in these territories of Ukraine or their results. They are null and void and cannot have any legal effect. The political leadership of the Russian Federation and those involved in their organisation will face the consequences of such illegal actions,” Borrell said,
– borrell said.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also stressed the undemocratic nature of the regime:
“…the illegal holding of elections on the territory of Ukraine, the lack of choice for voters and the lack of independent OSCE monitoring. This is not what free and fair elections look like”.
TheFrench Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the Russians who protested against the imitation elections in Russia and also stressed that elections in the occupied territories are impossible:
“France will never recognise the holding or the results of these so-called elections [in the occupied territories – ed.
The German Foreign Ministry was quite clear and unambiguous:
“The pseudo-elections in Russia are neither free nor fair, and the result is not surprising. Putin’s rule is authoritarian, based on censorship, repression and violence. “The ‘elections’ in the occupied territories of Ukraine are invalid and another violation of international law.”
One of the harshest statements was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Margus Tahkna. It was in his statement that the word “illegitimacy” was used, although here, too, it refers only to the elections, not to Putin as president of Russia.
“These were not legitimate elections. Putin’s legitimate place is in The Hague as a war criminal. Violation of international law with the so-called “elections” in the occupied territories, forcing people to participate in the so-called “elections” is a farce,”
– said the Estonian Foreign Minister.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis:
“There can be no elections in this atmosphere of unfreedom.”
Polish Foreign Ministry:
“The voting took place in conditions of extreme repression of society, which made it impossible to make a free and democratic choice.”
“Global South: sincere congratulations to the big brother
There are those who congratulate Putin on his election. And these are traditionally the leaders of the countries of the Global South. One of the first to make such a statement was Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was quoted by the Chinese news agency Xinhua.
“Your re-election is a great demonstration of your support from the Russian people. I believe that under your leadership, Russia will certainly be able to make greater achievements in national development and construction. China attaches great importance to the development of China-Russia relations and is willing to maintain close contacts with Russia to promote the steady, healthy, stable and in-depth development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership,”
– xi Jinping said.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called Putin an “elder brother” and welcomed his willingness to build a multipolar world.
“With over 87% of the vote, Putin has completely won the battle against the entire collective Western empire in demonstrating the values of the Russian people. This is the new Great Russia’s claim to a multipolar world, a world of balance. Our big brother Vladimir Putin has won. Good signs for the world for this year 2024. Congratulations to Putin and Russia!”
– maduro said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un conveyed his congratulations to Putin through his embassy, but they were not officially published.
Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon wrote the traditional clerical words of “broad support”:
“The results of the vote are another vivid confirmation of your high political authority and the broad support of Russian society for your state course to ensure sustainable socio-economic development of the country and strengthen its international position.”
– he wrote in a telegram to Putin.
Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega lives in his own special parallel reality.
“In these times of instability and violence in a world where we all need peace, harmony, joy, goodwill, we celebrate your triumph as a contribution to the stability of the human community to continue to create a future of well-being, science, prosperity, cooperation and solidarity…”
– he wrote to Putin.
Bolivian President Luis Arce called Putin’s victory “devastating”:
“[Putin’s victory] confirms the unity of the courageous Russian people in their sovereignty and constant development.”
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed his “sincere congratulations” to his Russian counterpart and called his victory a convincing testament to the Russian people’s recognition of his leadership.
In addition, the Russian propaganda agency RIA Novosti reported that Putin had been congratulated by Pope Francis. The agency itself cites Leonid Sevastyanov, head of the World Union of Old Believers, who allegedly communicates with the Pope. It was he who allegedly told the agency that the Pope had congratulated Putin.
The Vatican press service has not published anything of the kind and there is no official confirmation of this.
