From Le Figaro with AFP
Published yesterday at 9:16 p.m., updated yesterday at 9:40 p.m.
Russian President Vladimir Putin. POOL / Portal
Vladimir Putin warned on Friday against any “interference” from abroad in the campaign for Russia's March 2024 presidential election, which will take place against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine and the suppression of any opposition. “Any interference in Russia's internal affairs is strictly suppressed under Russian law,” the re-election running president said during a televised meeting with party leaders in attendance in the Duma, the lower house of parliament.
“The right to choose your future”
“We defend the freedom of our people, their sovereignty, their right to decide their future. “It is the people and only the people of Russia who are the only source of power in our country,” he assured. Vladimir Putin thanked the members of the parties present in parliament who are taking part in the “special military operation” in Ukraine, “fighting together for Russia” and those who help the military and their families.
The Russian leader also reiterated that “the number of Ukrainian soldiers taking themselves prisoner has increased sharply recently.” After a 2022 marked by setbacks on the Ukrainian front and a barrage of Western sanctions, Vladimir Putin appears to be in a better position at the end of 2023, given the failure of Ukraine's counteroffensive that began this summer and the collapse of European support from the Americans in Kiev and the recovery of the national economy.
Also read Oleg Orlov, Russian human rights activist: “Putin’s victory in Ukraine would mean the maintenance of a fascist regime for years to come”
Last week he announced he was running for a fifth term in the March 17 presidential election. His re-election left little doubt after almost a quarter of a century in power and suppression of the opposition. Almost all major opponents, such as anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny, were thrown into prison or driven into exile.
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