The Russian election authority announced on Thursday the final results of the presidential elections, confirming Vladimir Putin’s landslide victory as president for an extra term.
The authority also labeled the three-day vote, where competition was curtailed, as “historic,” dismissing reports of electoral fraud.
After the final results were published, Putin addressed the nation in a video broadcast on state television.
“The elections have revealed that Russia today is one big, closely-knit family. We are steadfastly following the historical path we have chosen. We have confidence in ourselves, our abilities, and our future,” the Russian leader said.