March has been quite eventful for Russia. A series of significant events have taken place both domestically and internationally, including ongoing tensions in international relations, the situation in Ukraine, terrorist attacks, and elections. These events have had profound effects on Russia’s domestic and foreign policies.
While Russia continued its “cases” against the international community at the same pace, it also left behind a month with many national tests. Simultaneously, significant developments occurred in the intervention in Ukraine, which continued to be a topic discussed at the negotiating table in international talks.
March began with the funeral of Alexei Navalny, one of the most prominent opposition figures known for leading anti-Putin propaganda both nationally and, perhaps more importantly, internationally. Alongside all the international and national developments, two events stood out this month. The first was the 2024 Russian Presidential Elections, which were not eagerly anticipated as their outcomes were predictable. Another significant development was the internationally resonant terrorist attack claimed by ISIS, resulting in the deaths of more than 130 people. It is worth examining these two important points closely.
The 2024 Russian Presidential elections were held from March 15th to 17th, constituting a comprehensive election with over 80 million people casting their votes. Before delving into the results of the three-day election process, it is worth examining the preceding events. Some candidates preparing to run for the elections, such as Yekaterina Duntsova and Boris Nadezhdin, were disqualified from candidacy. These candidates shared the common feature of opposing Russia’s current policies, particularly their desire to end the war in Ukraine. Alongside those banned from the election, it is known that individuals like Sergei Baburin and Sergei Mironov withdrew from the elections voluntarily, calling for Putin’s victory as crucial for Russia’s future. In light of these developments, it would not be accurate to say that candidates Nikolai Kharitonov, Lenoid Slutsky, and Vladislav Davankov, who were on the ballot alongside Putin, represent the full spectrum of opposition. These candidates do not have a large following and lack significant oppositional rhetoric.
According to the election results, Putin won the elections with 87.8% of the vote, ensuring his influence over Russia’s governance for another six years. The election results will indeed make Putin the longest-serving Russian leader in approximately the last 200 years, surpassing Joseph Stalin, who ruled the Soviet Union for 29 years.
On the other hand, various protests were organized both within and outside Russia following the election, with Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s wife, emerging as a prominent figure in these protests. When international reactions are examined, it is observed that Western countries and the United States have condemned the election results as dubious, while other international actors have sent congratulatory messages.
Another significant development in Russia during March, which stands out as one of the most important incidents, was the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall Municipal Cultural Center Concert Hall. The attack, carried out by 4 armed individuals, resulted in the deaths of numerous people and was recorded as one of the largest terrorist attacks in Russia’s history. ISIS claimed responsibility for the terrorist act. Following interrogations, it was revealed that the 4 attackers were foreign nationals and had met just a short time before carrying out the attack. While such a situation raises suspicions about the modus operandi of terrorist organizations, questions regarding the terrorists’ motivations continue.
Russia is pointing fingers at Western countries and the US, who support Ukraine, as the perpetrators behind the massacre. Of course, this terrorist attack is considered one of the key points of tension between the West/US and Russia.
Münevver Fatıma Özyurt