In Russian-controlled Ukraine, specifically in the city of Donetsk, residents lined up to show their support for Vladimir Putin as he seeks re-election as president. It is widely expected that Putin will win the election with ease.
Back in September 2022, Russia declared Donetsk and three other Ukrainian regions as part of its own territory, a move that was condemned as illegal by Ukraine and most countries in the United Nations. Despite this, Russia is conducting the presidential election in these areas in an effort to demonstrate their integration as “new territories,” even though they do not have complete military control. Ukraine, on the other hand, views the election exercise as illegitimate and void.
In order to run for re-election, Putin needs to secure 300,000 signatures in support of his candidacy by January 31. This is because he has put his own name forward for re-election rather than being nominated by a political party.
Supporters in Donetsk expressed their happiness in adding their names to the list to support Putin. One woman, Olga, told reporters, “This is our future, our life, our tranquillity. We want the end of war. I think he will help us in this, as president.”
The conflict in the region has been ongoing for nearly two years with no apparent end in sight. Neither side has made significant progress for many months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, mentioned that any reduction of pressure on Russia would only prolong the war.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
