Ten years have passed since Russia annexed Crimea, which is recognized by the international community as being a part of Ukraine. To commemorate this milestone, thousands of people attended an outdoor performance.
According to the commission, the president received his highest-ever total of about 76 million votes and will continue to serve as president until 2030.
Before the Russian national anthem began to play, Mr. Putin addressed the assembly and declared, “All glory to Russia.” His three token opponents, Nikolai Kharitonov, Leonid Slutsky, and Vladislav Davankov, joined him on stage.
Speaking to the crowds, Mr. Putin said that although the “return” of those other territories to Russia was “much more grave and tragic” than that of Crimea, it had still been successful.
After Mr. Putin brutally suppressed criticism, Russians had no viable alternatives to him throughout the three days of voting that ended on Sunday.
