Vladimir Putin continues to hold the presidency
In Eastern Europe, Ukraine, a country almost twice as large as Germany but with fewer inhabitants, has been embroiled in a complex political and military crisis since 2014. This crisis, which has seen ongoing protests against Russian influence and a full-scale war against Ukraine, is unique in that no other countries have experienced both since 2014.
Ukraine, the capital city of which is Kyiv, shares a border with Russia, a vast nation spanning both Asia and Europe. This geographical proximity has been a significant factor in the ongoing tension between the two countries.
Since 2014, Russia has sought parts of Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula and the eastern part of the country. This ambition has been met with resistance, leading to protests within Ukraine, particularly the Maidan protests in 2014.
In contrast, Russia has been a hotbed of political dissent against its leader, Vladimir Putin. Putin, who has been in power since 1999 and is currently 71 years old, has faced criticism both domestically and internationally. Protests against Putin have been reported in Russia, with examples including pouring liquid into ballot boxes during elections.
However, critics claim that Putin has no real election opponents, with opponents not allowed to run in the election and some even facing severe punishment for protesting against him. In addition, Putin has changed laws to allow him to stay president for a longer period.
In 2022, Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine, escalating the ongoing conflict. Putin has also been accused of ordering this attack. The President, who is often the head of state and holds significant political power in many countries, has not acknowledged these accusations publicly.
It is important to note that Ukraine was once part of the Soviet Union. This historical connection, along with the current geographical proximity, has undoubtedly played a role in the ongoing tension between Russia and Ukraine.
In a democracy, an election is considered real only when people can vote secretly and freely. Unfortunately, reports suggest that people in Russia were put under pressure during the election, and many ballot papers were checked before they were cast.
Despite these challenges, the people of Ukraine and Russia continue to strive for freedom and democracy, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
