The registration of candidates for Russia’s March presidential election has closed, with President Vladimir Putin, expected to win, and three politicians who support Moscow’s war in Ukraine on the list. Notably absent is Russian anti-war candidate Boris Nadezhdin, barred by the Central Election Commission due to flaws in signature collection. Putin, running as an independent, is anticipated to easily secure victory. The war in Ukraine, termed a “special military operation” by the Kremlin, is entering its third year, causing widespread destruction and displacement.