Russia: EU Council President prematurely declares Putin winner. As of today, the Russians are supposed to confirm their president in office.
The European Union and NATO question the legality of the election. An election victory would allow Putin to rule until 2030 - longer than any Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the 18th century. The election, which is intended to ensure that the 71-year-old Putin remains in office for another six years, is overshadowed by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and massive allegations of manipulation.