Russia attacks Ukraine grain port ahead of Putin-Erdogan talks
Al JazeeraMAY 2023
Putin's Party Dominates Regional Elections Amid Attacks
Image copyright: Kremlin Press Office [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
The Russian elections are a sham and a violation of international law. With various allegations of corruption, rigging, and the repression of opposition candidates, Russia’s supposed results do not hide the dubious reality of Putin’s real popularity within the state.
Pro-Russia narrative
The results of the free and fair elections in the reclaimed areas of Russia highlight the desire and willingness of those who inhabit ex-Ukrainian territories to come together as a single, prosperous nation. While the West tried its best to see that these elections didn't take place — with the Russian electoral commission facing a surge in cyberattacks — strong voter turnout showed that the will of the Russian people could not be denied.