Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called on his people to show
“patriotism”
by voting in the presidential elections scheduled for March 15 to 17 in Russia.
“I ask you to go vote and express your civil and patriotic position, to vote for the candidate you have chosen, for a bright future for our beloved Russia
,” declared Vladimir Putin in a video address, broadcast on the public television.
“Participating in the
elections
today is showing your patriotic feelings
,” he stressed.
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President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called on voters, including in Ukraine's annexed regions, to come together to determine Russia's future by voting in this week's presidential election, which is almost certain to win.
He added that this patriotic feeling was particularly present in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine currently held by Russian forces - some since the launch of the February 2022 invasion, others taken by separatists supported by Russia in 2014.
“They voted in favor of unification”
Vladimir Putin said the patriotic choices were clear to residents of Ukraine's eastern Donbass and Novorossiya regions - the tsarist term for southern Ukraine - who voted in favor of the annexation by Russia during referendums organized in 2022 and denounced by Western countries as illegal.
“They voted by referendum, under the most difficult conditions, in favor of unification with Russia and will make their choice again in the days to come
,” declared President Putin.
“Participants in the special operation will also vote.
They are an example for all Russians”
according to Vladimir Putin.
“Improve the level and quality of life”
“It is essential to underline our cohesion and determination and move forward together. Every vote is important and meaningful
,” declared Vladimir Putin in a video address broadcast for the first time in the Russian Far East.
“I therefore ask you to exercise your right to vote within the next three days.”
Vladimir Putin, 71, in power as president or prime minister since 2000, faces three opponents during the three days of voting which begin Friday.
None of them criticized him.
Opinion polls show he is supported by a majority of Russians, with a survey last month by the Levada Center giving him 75% support.
Two candidates who hoped to run on a platform calling for an end to the war in Ukraine, officially described by Russia as a
"special military operation
," have been declared ineligible.
In his video speech, Vladimir Putin said that all voters want to see a strong, prosperous and free Russia
“in order to improve the standard and quality of life”
.
The presidential vote, which extends over three days, begins with the opening of polling stations in the Far East at 8 a.m. (8 p.m. GMT Thursday) and ends with the closing of those in Kaliningrad on Sunday at 6 p.m. GMT.