Putin Says Opponents Tried to Disrupt Russian Election, Vows Ukraine Goals Will Be Met
Vladimir Putin claimed opponents sought to derail Russia's election but said voter turnout showed the country could not be intimidated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that his opponents had attempted to disrupt the country's election, but argued that the turnout at polling stations demonstrated that Russia could not be intimidated.
Speaking at Novo-Ogaryovo, Putin thanked Russian citizens for taking part in the election campaign. He said the efforts of what he called "opponents" to derail the vote were evident in what he described as persistent attempts to penetrate the air defences of Moscow and other regions.
"The lines at the polling stations show that Russia cannot be intimidated," he said.
In a second remark directed at the military, Putin addressed soldiers and commanders on the frontline, telling them the vote had been held for them. He said the public trusted them and believed in victory, praising their heroism and their commitment to the country.
Putin added that he had no doubt all the objectives set for what Moscow calls its special military operation would be achieved.
The comments came as the Russian leader sought to frame the election as a show of national resolve amid the continuing conflict in Ukraine.