Russians crowd polling stations in apparent protest as Putin is set to extend his rule

Russians gathered outside polling stations at midday on Sunday, marking the final day of a three-day presidential election. The event was characterized by opposition calls to protest President Vladimir Putin's expected extension of his lengthy rule. The tightly controlled election environment lacked real alternatives to Putin and saw no public criticism of him or his actions, including the conflict in Ukraine.

The election took place amidst a backdrop of political repression, with Putin's prominent critic, Alexei Navalny, recently deceased and others either jailed or in exile. Navalny's associates encouraged dissenters to protest by participating in the polls at noon on Sunday, a tactic backed by Navalny prior to his death. This strategy seemed successful, with images and videos shared by Team Navalny showing crowds near polling stations across Russia at noon.

Despite facing three token opponents, Putin's challengers refrained from criticizing his long rule or the Ukrainian conflict. The election coincided with a Ukrainian drone attack on Russia, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by Moscow.

The Russian military reported downing Ukrainian drones overnight, with no casualties or significant damage reported. Russia's wartime economy has shown resilience, notably through its defense industry's growth, producing weaponry amid Western sanctions.

Voting occurred across Russia's time zones, including annexed Ukrainian territories and online platforms. By early Sunday, over 60% of eligible voters had cast their ballots.

While some voters expressed satisfaction with Putin's leadership, others hoped for change, although they remained skeptical. Navalny's associates showcased footage of voters protesting Putin, emphasizing the existence of dissenting voices within Russia.

Instances of vandalism and arrests were reported at polling stations, reflecting tensions surrounding the election. Despite international criticism, Putin framed the election within the context of Russia's conflict with the West and Ukraine.

The lack of genuine options for voters and limited independent monitoring underscored the election's constrained democratic process, drawing condemnation from Western leaders.