Russian president Vladimir Putin aims to secure another term in office during the 2024 elections, according to state media ripples.
The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Kremlin, Putin's official residence as president. He'll be battling for his fifth term as president, aiming to solidify his decades-long power as head of state or prime minister.
Upcoming elections will also mark the first time residents of the "annexed regions" of Ukraine, such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson, seized during the conflict, will participate in a presidential election.
Previously, international authorities had condemned local elections in these regions, organized by pro-Russian officials, as a fraudulent affair.
As of yet, the Kremlin hasn't issued an official statement on Putin's candidacy.
The looming elections have sparked concern among European nations, given Russia's past actions in Ukraine.
Europe grows uneasy as Putin eyes potential re-election in 2024, given Russia's involvement in Ukraine's conflict. The global community is keenly observing these developments.
Source:
The international community's response to Putin's potential re-election in 2024, in light of Russia's engagement in Ukraine, has predominantly been critical and wary. Here are some key highlights:
- United States Perspective:
- The U.S. labeled Putin's re-election as a "sham," attributed to the suppression of dissenters and the absence of genuine democratic processes. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has denounced Putin for his authoritarian rule and human rights abuses. (Source: 3)
- European Union and NATO alliances:
- Putin's re-election has emboldened him to maintain his aggressive stance towards Ukraine and the West. This has caused concerns about possible future military expansionism, resulting in historically neutral Finland and Sweden announcing their intention to join NATO. (Source: 3)
- International Community at Large:
- The international community has voiced deep worry about Putin's intentions and actions. For example, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's spokesperson stressed that Putin could end the war instantaneously by withdrawing his troops and engaging in peace talks. (Source: 2)
- Peace Negotiations:
- Despite Putin's announcements of preparations for peace negotiations, his verbalising misinterpretations of Ukrainian law and constitution to undermine Ukraine's government's legitimacy have made genuine negotiations challenging. (Source: 4)
- Public Opinion:
- In the U.K., a portion of the populace believes a peaceful agreement between the U.S. and Russia is likely in the short term, yet there's a strong belief in the necessity of Western support to ensure Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. (Source: 5)
In essence, the international community's response to Putin's re-election has remained mainly critical and worried, focusing on the potential escalation of his authoritarian rule and aggressive military actions in Ukraine.
