War is not an election issue
Russian political scientist considers population to be war-weary
March 14, 2024, 7:28 a.m
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From the Kremlin’s perspective, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is making better progress recently. However, from the point of view of a Russian political scientist, this is no reason to talk about it before the presidential elections. On the contrary: the Russians are also tired of war, says expert Kynew.
Two years after the invasion of Ukraine, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin wants to strengthen his power in the much-criticized presidential election next weekend – but according to one expert, the war is not suitable as a campaign issue. “For him, of course, the issue is his top priority,” says independent Russian political scientist Alexander Kynev. But war weariness is spreading among the Russian population. “Every conversation about the war leads to the question: When will it end?” says Kynew. “The state has no answer to this. That’s why it’s avoiding the discussion.”
Before the vote, which begins this Friday and in which Putin is virtually certain as the winner, there was “very, very little” election advertising anyway, Kynew explains. “There is a lot of Putin in the news every day.” However, the Kremlin chief is usually not shown in the role of a candidate, but rather “as a president who carries out his duties.” It is becoming clear that – sometimes under pressure – those who vote for Putin’s retention of power should be brought to the ballot box: civil servants and employees of large, partly also state-owned companies.
The presidential election in Russia runs from March 15th to 17th and will most likely secure the 71-year-old Kremlin leader his fifth term in office. Opponents of the Kremlin are calling for the result not to be recognized because democratic standards have long since ceased to be adhered to. Independent observers not only point out fraud and manipulation – but also that voting in occupied areas of Ukraine is illegal. In addition, serious Russian opposition figures are either not allowed to vote, have fled abroad or are in prison camps. Putin therefore has no real opponents in this election.