Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.



Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to fight in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country.

We will keep you updated on developments regarding the situation in Ukraine on the 18th (Japan time), including the situation of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries involved.



(There is a 7 hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and a 6 hour time difference with Moscow, Russia)

Presidential election Putin wins overwhelming victory; state media reports ``highest vote share ever''

Vote counting for Russia's presidential election is almost complete, with President Putin winning an overwhelming victory with nearly 90% of the vote.



Although state media reported that the vote share was the highest ever, there has been a series of criticisms from Europe and the United States that the election was not fair.



In Russia's presidential election, which was held from the 15th to the 17th of this month, according to the Central Election Commission, Mr. Putin won 87.34% of the votes with 98% of the votes counted, overwhelming the other candidates. I won.



State media say this is the highest vote share in Russia's presidential election since the collapse of the Soviet Union.



In addition, the voting rate was 74.22% as of 3:00 a.m. Japan time on the 18th, when voting closed.



Putin, who has held power for about a quarter of a century, including his time as prime minister, will be entering his fifth term as president.



His new term is for six years until 2030.



In Vladivostok, the central city of the Far East, voices were heard welcoming Putin's victory, and one man in his 50s said, ``I think President Putin will lead the country in the right direction.I also agree with the situation in Ukraine.'' I am grateful to the President."



On the other hand, in this election, there were movements that appeared to be a reaction to the election, such as arson at polling stations in various places, and protests called by Yulia, the wife of opposition leader Navalny, who died in prison last month, and support groups. A vote was also taken to express their intentions.



There has been a series of criticisms from Europe, the United States, and human rights groups that the elections were not fair as major rival candidates were not allowed to run.

“Confidence from an overwhelming majority” Will we continue the policy of invading Ukraine?

In his declaration of victory on the morning of the 18th (Japan time), Putin stated, ``No matter who intimidates us or tries to suppress us, as long as the people are united, we will never succeed,'' reaffirming his stance toward confrontation with the West. , it is expected that, having won the confidence of an overwhelming majority of the people in the election, they will continue on their current path, including the military invasion of Ukraine.

Click here for more information on the Russian presidential election