Vladimir Putin

Amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the Kremlin has put forward the idea of establishing a "buffer zone" on Ukrainian-controlled territory, a move aimed at safeguarding Russian regions from potential attacks.

Turkey and Hungary are both difficult allies of the United States. Both held up NATO's enlargement just when Washington needed the greatest possible coalition against Russia and maximum support for Ukraine. The leaders of both countries have good relations with Vladimir Putin.

Cerstin Gammelin, spokeswoman for the German president, conveyed that Frank-Walter Steinmeier will abstain from extending congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his victory in the perceived fraudulent elections.

During a press conference at his campaign headquarters, Russian President Vladimir Putin disclosed that the late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny would have been part of a prisoner exchange with the West. Putin indicated that a deal involving Navalny had been agreed upon before his death, with a crucial condition that Navalny would not return to Russia.

Vladimir Putin has clinched another resounding victory in the presidential election in the Russian Federation, solidifying his grip on power for the foreseeable future. With over 87 percent of the vote, according to data from the Central Election Commission, Putin's triumph ensures his presidency until at least 2030, marking a significant milestone in Russian politics.

Vladimir Putin said Russia would not be "intimidated" as he hailed an election victory that paves the way for the former spy to become the longest-serving Russian leader in more than 200 years.

Kremlin critics called for massive protests at Russian polling stations on Sunday for the final day of a presidential election that is guaranteed to cement Vladimir Putin's rule.

The three-day vote has already been marred by a surge in fatal Ukrainian bombardments and a series of incursions into Russian territory by pro-Ukrainian sabotage groups.

Fresh strikes Saturday in the Russian border region of Belgorod adjoining Ukraine killed two people, the regional governor said, as Moscow accused Kyiv of stepping up attacks during the ongoing presidential election.

"Very sad news, two people died, a man and a woman," said Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram, adding that eight rockets had been downed by Russian forces in the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a resounding call to action for Europe in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine, reported by Reuters. In a recent television interview, Macron characterized President Vladimir Putin's Russia as an adversary that poses a significant threat not only to Ukraine but to the entire European continent.

Amid a three-day voting period for Russia's presidential elections, Vladimir Putin stands poised to secure a fifth term in office, despite growing international concern over the legitimacy of the process. The elections held not only within Russia but also in the occupied territories of Ukraine, have sparked a wave of criticism and accusations from neighboring countries.