Putin's key statements after the Russian presidential election

In his victory speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that this year's election turnout had reached a record high and asserted that Russians had realized their "power" in voting to elect Russia's leader.

"First of all, I want to thank all Russians who stood by us. I want to thank all Russians who came to the polls and exercised their civil rights," Putin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a victory speech at the election campaign headquarters in Moscow on the evening of March 17. (Photo: Sputnik)

According to Mr. Putin, Russian voters have helped create a solid political foundation for Russia to continue moving forward. He also emphasized that "the people are the strength of Russia."

President Putin noted that in a period when Russia is facing many challenges, its people will overcome all difficulties if they maintain a spirit of unity.

“Whoever is trying to intimidate and suppress us in one way or another will not succeed. No enemy has ever done this in the entire history of Russia,” Putin stressed.

In addition, Mr. Putin also condemned the sabotage of the 8th Russian presidential election in some regions. He said that every citizen has the right to use their vote the way they want, but trying to interfere with other people's voting is undemocratic.

The Russian President said that his new presidential term will set new plans and goals to be achieved for the special military operation in Ukraine as well as to strengthen Russia's defense capabilities.

“First of all, we need to address the objectives of the special military operation, strengthen defense capabilities, strengthen the armed forces. We all see how this is going.”

Mr Putin added that all of Russia's development plans, announced earlier in the President's address to the Russian Parliament, will be implemented and the goals will be achieved.

The Russian leader also mentioned that he is in no hurry to form a new government. And this process is expected to take more than two months according to the constitution.

President Putin said that in the period when Russia is facing many challenges, the people of this country will overcome all difficulties if they maintain the spirit of solidarity. (Photo: Sputnik)

On foreign policy issues, President Putin said Russia is ready to seek a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict but only if Kiev wants to build friendly relations with Moscow.

Mr Putin also referred to French President Emmanuel Macron's statement on a ceasefire in Ukraine during the Olympics. He affirmed that Moscow is ready to consider any proposals but will act in accordance with its interests.

Asked whether a full-scale conflict between Russia and NATO was possible, Mr Putin simply replied that “anything is possible” in today’s world.

In his speech, Mr Putin shared his thoughts on the so-called "Russian Volunteer Corps" - a paramilitary group of Russian citizens fighting in the conflict in Ukraine under Kiev.

Percentage of votes cast for candidates in the Russian presidential election. (Photo: Sputnik)

Mr Putin compared the group to Russian troops that collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II.

This year's Russian presidential election was marked by a record voter turnout. According to data from the Central Election Commission (CEC), more than 74% of voters cast their ballots. This figure far exceeded the 67.4% recorded in the 2018 election.

According to the CEC, nearly 95% of the votes had been counted by 1:00 a.m. on March 18 (Moscow time) and candidate Putin was leading the race with an estimated 87.3% of the vote.

Tra Khanh (Source: Sputnik)

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