UPDATED: Reactions abroad to Russia’s presidential election

Following are reactions from foreign governments and officials to Russia’s presidential election, which handed Vladimir Putin a landslide win and another six-year term in office, according to first official results on Sunday.

WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL SPOKESPERSON

“The elections are obviously not free nor fair given how Mr. Putin has imprisoned political opponents and prevented others from running against him.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin for his re-election, saying Pyongyang would work together with him to further develop bilateral relations.

“I will firmly join hands with you as we meet the demands of the times to provide a new turning point for the Russian-DPRK (North Korea) friendship that has long historical roots and traditions, and push forward to build a strong nation,” KCNA reported Kim as congratulatory remarks sent to Putin.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY

“These days, the Russian dictator is simulating another election. It is clear to everyone in the world that this figure, as it has already often happened in the course of history, is simply sick for power and is doing everything to rule forever.”

“There is no legitimacy in this imitation of elections and there cannot be. This person should be on trial in The Hague. That’s what we have to ensure.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday congratulated Vladimir Putin on winning another term as Russia’s president and said China was set to maintain close communication with Russia to promote their partnership, according to Chinese state media.

“Your re-election is a full demonstration of the support of the Russian people for you,” Xi said, according to Xinhua News. “I believe that under your leadership, Russia will certainly be able to achieve greater achievements in national development and construction.”

“China attaches great importance to the development of China-Russia relations and stands ready to maintain close communication with Russia to promote the sustained, healthy, stable and in-depth development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership,” Xi said, according to Xinhua.

GERMANY’S FOREIGN MINISTRY ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM X

“The pseudo-election in Russia is neither free nor fair, the result will surprise nobody. Putin’s rule is authoritarian, he relies on censorship, repression & violence. The “election” in the occupied territories of Ukraine are null and void & another breach of international law.”

UK FOREIGN MINISTER DAVID CAMERON ON X

“The polls have closed in Russia, following the illegal holding of elections on Ukrainian territory, a lack of choice for voters and no independent OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) monitoring. This is not what free and fair elections look like.”

POLISH FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT

“From March 15-17, 2024, so-called presidential elections took place in Russia. The voting took place in conditions of extreme repression against society, making it impossible to make a free, democratic choice.”