Putin extends rule in preordained Russian election after harshest crackdown since Soviet era

Vladimir Putin secures fifth term in Russia amid criticism of election fairness and crackdown on opposition. Independent monitoring was limited, and Putin received 87% of the vote with record turnout. Western leaders denounce the election as a sham, while Navalny's widow and supporters protest. Putin dismisses criticism, accusing the West of using the judiciary for political aims. Voting took place over three days, with some arrests reported for disruptive behavior at polling stations. Putin's victory extends his nearly quarter-century rule over Russia.
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