Residents of the Far East have started voting in the Russian presidential election. The vote will be held over three days, including in the territories occupied by Russia in Ukraine and in Transdniestria, a pro-Russian separatist territory in Moldova.
The outgoing head of state will face three candidates without scope who oppose neither the offensive in Ukraine nor the repression which eradicated all opposition and culminated with the death in prison in mid-February of the main opponent, Alexei Navalny. Vladimir Putin's victory in this election, which is beyond doubt, should allow him to remain in power until 2030.