Putin Surprised by High Voter Turnout in Crimea and New Regions

Vladimir Putin stated that he was surprised by the higher voter turnout in border regions and new areas compared to the overall country.

Overall, in that direction, along the state border, despite terrorist attacks—something we all know well—citizens living in those areas have not only demonstrated civil courage, but they have shown bravery. No one has frightened them, as I thought and stated not long ago. And it is impossible to scare our people,” he said during a speech to journalists at his electoral headquarters on Sunday evening.

In response to a question about whether external forces attempting to undermine Russia's internal political system would learn from the results of the current presidential elections, Putin stated that “there are not so many foolish people sitting in the institutions that operate against Russia.”

The current president of Russia emphasized that the West's issue is that many remain there who are incapable of anything other than fighting against the USSR and continue to fight against Russia. “The new generations of specialists realistically assess the situation. I think they will act more subtly. But their goals regarding Russia will not change,” he said.

Putin also commented on incidents related to ballot destruction, "zelyonka," and even the burning of polling stations, stating that such actions are criminally punishable and law enforcement agencies will act in accordance with the law. “It is bad. If you do not want to vote, that is one thing. But to harm those who have come to vote and fulfill their civic duty—this is at least undemocratic,” said the Russian president.

Regarding the action called “Against Putin at noon,” he said: “As far as I understand, as far as I have heard and as I have been reported, there were calls to go vote exactly at noon, and this was to express opposition. Well, if there were calls to go vote, then, as I say in such cases, I will express words of praise for that.”

Putin emphasized that when he was speaking and calling for people to vote, he was not campaigning for himself but addressing the public as the current head of state. Putin has received record support in the presidential elections. After processing 99% of the ballots by the Russian Central Election Commission, he leads with 87.34% of the votes.