France criticized the re-election of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, stating that it occurred amidst repression. The French government commended the many Russians who peacefully protested against the election, showing their dissatisfaction with the process.
In addition to this, France condemned the “so-called elections” that took place in Ukrainian regions temporarily occupied by Russia. The foreign ministry described these elections as a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. France made it clear that they do not recognize the legitimacy of these elections and are committed to upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.
The country also denounced Russia’s actions in setting up polling booths in separatist regions such as Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transnistria without the consent of the Georgian and Moldovan authorities.
On the other hand, President Putin secured a record post-Soviet landslide victory in Russia’s election on Sunday. This win solidified his control over power, with Putin emphasizing that Moscow’s actions in Ukraine were justified in the face of Western pressure.
France’s stance on these events underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and Western countries, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and political sovereignty.
The reporting on these developments was done by journalists Jogn Irish and Dominique Vidalon, with editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Bernadette Baum.
