From China to Cuba, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s allies were quick to welcome his re-election with more than 87% – a “record” according to the Russian Electoral Commission – while Westerners denounced a sham of democracy.
Chine
“Your re-election proves the full support of Russians“, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday in a congratulatory message to his counterpart, reported by Chinese state television CCTV.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was convinced that relations “will continue to progress” between the two countries, “partners in comprehensive strategic cooperation” which this year mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Inde
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as head of Russia. “I look forward to working together to further strengthen the enduring special and privileged partnership between India and Russia in the years to come“, wrote the Indian leader on the X network.
Iran
Iranian President Ebrahim Raïssi “sincerely congratulated Vladimir Putin on his solid victory and his re-election as President of the Russian Federation,” said the official Irna news agency.
Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba, Bolivia
As of Sunday evening, the leaders of Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba and Bolivia congratulated Mr. Putin. “Our older brother has triumphed, which bodes well for the world,” said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Bosnian Serbs
The president of Republika Srpska (the Bosnian Serb entity) Milorad Dodik welcomed the victory of “a friend on whom we can count” on X.
Ukraine
As the war launched by Russia against Ukraine has just entered its third year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday evening that the Russian presidential election has “no legitimacy”.
Mr. Putin is “drunk with power and is doing everything he can to reign forever,” he said on social networks.
United Kingdom
London deplored the absence of elections “free and fair“in Russia, the head of British diplomacy David Cameron denouncing on X”the illegal organization of elections on Ukrainian territory, the lack of choice for voters” et “the lack of independent monitoring by the OSCE“, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.