Western countries reacted to the presidential elections in Russia, where Vladimir Putin won. According to them, these elections cannot be considered fair, legal and free.

In particular, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "the consistent introduction of repressive legislation restricting civil liberties and rights, including political ones, military censorship, politically motivated criminal cases and the exclusion of candidates expressing anti-war views from participating in the elections, means that these elections cannot be considered either free or fair."

The diplomatic mission added that Poland "strongly condemns" such elections. In addition, Warsaw will not recognize the results of the "elections" in the occupied Ukrainian territories.

The German Foreign Ministry said that the election result "does not surprise anyone."

"Putin's rule is authoritarian, based on censorship, repression and violence. "The 'elections' in the occupied territories of Ukraine are invalid and are yet another violation of international law," the German diplomatic press service said in a statement.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that he would not send a letter of congratulations to Putin on the occasion of the "victory" in the elections.

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported the previous theses, adding that Russia "lacks democratic legitimacy."

They added that Riga would not recognize the results of the "elections" in the occupied territories of Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova.

The Czech Foreign Ministry said that "the elections in Russia do not meet international standards."

"The regime silenced all critical voices and opposition candidates in advance. We condemn the "elections" in the occupied territories of Ukraine. This is yet another manifestation of Russian aggression against Ukraine," the diplomatic department wrote.

The White House called the elections in Russia "clearly neither free nor fair." It believes that Putin imprisoned his potential opponents or did not allow them to participate in the elections.

The UK also believes that voting in Russia does not look like a free and fair election. This was stated by Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

"Polling stations were closed in Russia following the illegal holding of elections in Ukraine, lack of choice for voters and lack of independent OSCE observation," he wrote on Twitter.