Putin’s Reelection in an Unprecedented Victory
It wasn’t expected that the Russian presidential election would result in an even score. The absence of formally recognized rivals who could legitimately disagree with current President Vladimir Putin’s reelection assured his victory. Yet, it is a major turning point which means another six years of Putin’s reign in Russia- the most powerful and ruthless version of himself.
In basic terms, the incumbent’s self-reappointment was portrayed by the Kremlin as a referendum on the Ukrainian war. This well-staged move was aimed at convincing Russian and Western audiences that a large proportion of Russians backed the government’s attempts to overthrow Ukraine and undermine the West. Putin claimed that the cause of the record-breaking turnout was to create conditions for political consolidation during his post-election news conference.
On poll eve, Russian independent press organizations were briefed by Kremlin insiders that the presidential election was setting an unprecedented target for getting 80 percent of votes in Putin’s favor to demonstrate its commitment to the country. Nearly 87 percent was the ultimate result, meaning it was even higher.
The Role of Propaganda and Electoral Manipulation
The following unusual result was the consequence of several factors, such as deep propaganda through Russian state media that spread toxic disinformation emanating from additional social benefits, fraudulent ballots, and manipulation by early voting and electronic voting machines.
Once again, the Kremlin has turned the electoral system into an impenetrable fortress, blocking even the most mainstream candidates from the opposition appearing on the ballot. When the complete annexation of Ukraine started, a significant number of real, rebellious opposition politicians and activists went into hiding.
Navalny’s Death and Putin’s Address: A Shift in Dynamic
Last month, mysteriously, opposition leader Alexey Navalny died in a Russian prison, Putin remarkably mentioned by name in his post-election address for the first time, something he avoided doing during their bitter ten-year rivalry.
Nevertheless, the scenario would be inadequate if it failed to take into consideration another important factor that impacted Russians’ choosing to back Putin: their long-standing dread and skepticism of the West. By looking at Euro-Atlantic cooperation that accepted everyone except Russia, the United States,
and the European Union has done little or nothing to reassure the Russian people of their true intent and instead has succeeded in trying to distance Russia from its closest allies.
Russia’s Perception of the West: Fueling Putin’s Popularity
Putin’s popularity naturally rests on this exclusion, which derives from the blind triumphant optimism of the West in the several years that preceded the collapse of the USSR. It also explains why a significant percentage of Russians believe the Kremlin’s assertions that the war in Ukraine is inevitable
and essential for Russia.
Putin appears as the predominant winner of the clash between Russia and the West, irrespective of which side contributed more. It extended decades to his political existence. It even helped him to maintain an unwavering power when the invasion of Ukraine appeared to end his “social contract”- the tacit
the assumption that the Russian people would back him in exchange for stability and an improved standard of living with the Russian people.
It’s tough to determine the magnitude of this sentiment, yet it’s fair to presume that it would stay substantial irrespective of the aftermath of the Russian political system were to be made more open to real competitors.
US Elections and Implications for Russia’s Strategy
At present, only the marginalized are impacted by warfare while the Kremlin shields the vast majority of Russians from its repercussions. Putin’s ability to keep doing this is contingent on how events pan out in Ukraine. Putin’s drive for national unity helped his triumph, while it could even put pressure on Ukraine to give up. Yet, there are hurdles for Ukraine, among them is a lack of preparedness and a delay in US help. If Trump opts to attempt a return to office, US policy toward Russia could shift to put usefulness over principles. This could boost Putin’s status globally and put a halt to his isolation.
The US election holds more importance for Russia than its affairs. Knowing Russia as a thing of the Western values crisis could prompt Western rethinking. Russian opposition points out the dangers of oligarchy and securitocracy, giving insight into global efforts against tyranny and universal values.