BRUSSELS, Belgium, March 15, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - EU chief Charles Michel on 
Friday sarcastically congratulated Russia's Vladimir Putin on winning 
reelection against no real opposition -- as voting was only just beginning.

"Would like to congratulate Vladimir Putin on his landslide victory in the 
elections starting today," European Council President Michel wrote on X, 
formerly Twitter.

"No opposition. No freedom. No choice."

Putin looks certain to claim a new term that will extend his iron grip over 
Russia for another six years. 

The vote from Friday to Sunday comes as the West has sought to punish Moscow 
for its invasion of Ukraine and after the Kremlin has ruthlessly crushed all 
genuine opposition at home.

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of deceased Putin foe Alexei Navalny, has called 
on the West not to recognise election results.

A victory by Putin would see his reign outstretch that of Soviet tyrant 
Joseph Stalin, making his rule the longest in Russia since Catherine the 
Great.