Mr. Putin: Voting for president is patriotism

Mr Putin called on all voters, including those in the newly annexed regions of Ukraine, to vote for the Russian president to show patriotism.

"It is important to clearly demonstrate our solidarity and determination and move forward together. Each person's vote has meaning and value. Therefore, I ask everyone to exercise their right to vote in the next three days," Russian President Vladimir Putin told voters nationwide in a speech on March 14.

Russian President Vladimir Putin during an interview at the Kremlin on March 12. Photo: Reuters

Mr Putin said all Russian voters want a strong, prosperous and free country to improve living standards and quality of life, and said this was a sign of patriotism.

"Let me be frank, participating in this election is an expression of patriotic feelings," he said. "The people of Donbass and Novorossiya, who voted for reunification with Russia in difficult circumstances, understand this very well and they will also vote here."

Novorossiya is the term used by Russia to refer to the southern territories of Ukraine that it annexed in October 2022, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and the two provinces of Donetsk and Lugansk in the Donbass region.

Mr Putin called on those involved in the war in Ukraine to also vote, saying they were an example for the Russian people.

The Russian presidential election will take place on March 15-17. Candidates include incumbent President Putin, who is running as an independent, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia Leonid Slutsky, MP Vladislav Davankov and MP Nikolay Kharitonov.

This is Mr. Putin's fifth time running for president of Russia. He currently receives the support of nearly 90% of Russian voters and is expected to easily be re-elected for another 6-year term.

Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters )

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