Russia commenced a three-day presidential election, likely securing Vladimir Putin’s rule for another six years amidst stifled dissent. Vandalism incidents, including a firebombing, marked polling stations. The backdrop features a harsh crackdown on media and rights groups, giving Putin full political control. As Moscow’s war in Ukraine persists, Russia gains battlefield advantage, though Ukraine’s resilience exposes vulnerabilities. Observers anticipate a preordained outcome, with Putin virtually unopposed and key opponents imprisoned or exiled. Little international monitoring adds to doubts about the election’s fairness, reflecting a widening gap between citizens and decision-making. Russia’s famed election observer group Golos notes the disconnect between people and governance.