"Challenges and Controversies Surrounding Putin's Extended Rule in Russia"

Russian voters are participating in an election widely expected to secure another term for President Vladimir Putin, who faces no significant challengers amid a crackdown on dissent. The ongoing war in Ukraine has been used by Putin to bolster his image, with the Kremlin seeking a high turnout to legitimize his rule. Despite attacks and limited opposition, voting is underway across Russia and annexed regions of Ukraine, with tight controls and limited independent monitoring drawing criticism from Western leaders.