Putin landslide victory tainted by poll violations says Brussels

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

After he romped home with 77 per cent of the vote on Sunday, Mr Putin was 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.

Following his re-election Mr Putin flexed his nationalist muscles, saying he will defend Russia’s interests during his sixyear term – but without an arms race. He 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,’ Mr Putin said. ‘Just the opposite, we will seek to develop constructive relations with other countries. We will do all we can to solve all disputes with our partners using political and diplomatic means.’

His support at the ballot box, accompanied by a heavy turnout at 67 per cent, marked his best electoral performance. In 2012 the president, who has led Russia since 1999, won 64 per cent of the vote.