Vladimir Putin, in power for 24 years, is guaranteed a new six-year term. Putin seeks to turn the elections into a demonstration of support for his military offensive in Ukraine.
With Putin's main opponents dead, in prison or in exile, the result of the vote leaves no room for doubt. Putin's more than likely victory will allow him to remain in power until 2030, longer than any Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the 18th century. The elections take place a month after the death in an Arctic prison of the Kremlin's main critic.