EU hits out at Putin election ‘violations’

VLADIMIR Putin’s presidential election victory was undermined by ‘violations and shortcomings’, the EU has said.

After he romped home with 77% of the Russian vote on Sunday, Mr Putin was yesterday accused of flouting international standards and political freedoms.

An EU spokesman called on Russia to ‘address the violations and shortcomings’ reported by official election observers.

Leaders of the observation mission for the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said Russian state media’s extensive positive and unchallenged coverage of Mr Putin’s activities gave him a significant advantage in the race.

Observers also reported widespread ballot-stuffing and unprecedented pressure on Russians to vote.

Following his re-election, which came amid escalating Cold War-like tensions following the nerve-agent poisoning in the UK this month and alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, Mr Putin flexed his nationalist muscles, saying he will defend Russia’s interests during his six-year term – but without an arms race.

The ex-KGB chief, who has led Russia since 1999, said he would scale back military spending and focus on raising living standards. ‘We have no intention of engaging in some kind of arms race,’ he said. ‘Just the opposite, we will seek to develop constructive relations with other countries. We’ll do all we can to solve all disputes with our partners using political and diplomatic means.’