2024 - Russian Presidential Elections
Presidential elections will take place in Russia between March 15 and 17. There are four candidates, including the current president Vladimir Putin. More than 112 million voters are expected to participate in the vote. According to the data of the Russian Central Election Commission, as of January 1, the number of voters in Russia - 112,309,947; outside Russia - 1,890,863, and in the city of Baikonur - 11,924 people. It was also announced that for the first time the number of voters is available for residents of new regions. In total, 113,574,550 ballots were printed for the elections.
Voting will continue for three days, from Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17. It was also announced that polling stations will continue to operate from 08:00 to 20:00 local time.
(Коммерсантъ, “Что нужно знать о президентских выборах–2024”, (04.03.2024))
Border Regulation
On Monday, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev delivered a lecture to the participants of the World Youth Festival on the "geographical" and "strategic" borders of the world states. The example of the political theory of his lecture was Russia with its endless borders and constructive geopolitical features. Medvedev also paid special attention to Ukraine, whose borders and situation are not clear to everyone.
(Коммерсантъ, “Пограничное переустройство”, (04.03.2024))
China's Special Envoy Holds Talks on Ukraine in Russia
On March 2, Li Hui, China's Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs, visited Moscow on his second tour to promote a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis and met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin. During the meeting, it was noted that "it is impossible to discuss a political-diplomatic solution without taking into account Russia's participation and security interests" and that "Kiev's and the West's demands for ultimatums against Russia" and the associated negotiating methods only undermine the prospects for resolving the crisis, as they cannot serve as the basis for a solution. Following Li's meeting with Galuzin, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on its website that there was no mention of a negative attitude towards the "Ukrainian peace formula".
In addition, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that "China is ready to make efforts to promote and advance negotiations to achieve reconciliation between China, Russia, Ukraine and other relevant parties". Li also expressed his belief that "historical experience has shown that any conflict should be resolved through negotiations in the end", a view with which Galuzin concurred.
(Ведомости, “Посланник Китая провел переговоры по Украине в России”, (04.03.2024))
Israel Agrees to Sign Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza
March 3, Agence France-Press; "Hamas" is ready to sign a ceasefire agreement with Israel within 24 hours, provided that the Israeli government allows displaced people to return to the northern Gaza Strip and increases humanitarian aid, it said. Earlier: Reuters, CNN, Financial Times (FT), Associated Press and Bloomberg, citing a senior White House official, reported that Israel had agreed to sign a "framework agreement" for a six-week ceasefire in the territory in exchange for a list of live hostages held by "Hamas".
(Ведомости, “Израиль согласился заключить соглашение о перемирии в Газе”, (04.03.2024))
West Rejects 114 Russian Extradition Requests in 2023
The Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation has announced that in 2023, foreign states refused to extradite 114 persons to Russia for criminal prosecution, 38 of them for political reasons. The Prosecutor General's Office also noted that among the persons whose extradition was refused by Western countries for political reasons were those accused of manslaughter, grave harm to health, participation in terrorist organization activity and illegal trafficking in narcotic substances.
In addition, in 2023, foreign states rejected 66 requests for legal assistance from the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation. It was also noted that such decisions by European countries contradict the obligations of the European Convention on Extradition and allow criminals to avoid criminal liability.
The Attorney General's Office also cited examples of cooperation.
Patrushev Calls for Preventing Ukrainian Secret Services' Infiltration into the North Caucasus Federal Region
Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said at a meeting in the Ingushetian capital Magas that Ukrainian secret services should not be allowed into the North Caucasus Federal District to prevent terrorist acts and sabotage, the news agency reported.
Paris Forms Alliance with Countries Ready to Send Troops to Ukraine
"France is building an alliance of countries ready to send Western troops to Ukraine, deepening its rift with the more cautious Berlin," Politico reported.
Anti-Government Rally in Tel Aviv
Activists opposed to the Israeli government held a rally in central Tel Aviv. The protest took place in the center of the city where government buildings are located, in particular the Israeli Defense Ministry. Hundreds of protesters took part in the demonstration and one of the city's central roads was blocked. Security forces controlled the crowd and set up barricades at the scene. The aim of the protest was announced to be the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netenyahu.
(Аргументы и Факты, “В Тель-Авиве начался антиправительственный митинг”, (09.03.2024))
Russia's Federal Districts Cooperate with Gagauzia
President of Gagauzia Evghenia Gutul held talks with the leaders of several federal districts of Russia. Following these meetings, agreements on cooperation between the regions were made.
(Ведомости, “Российские регионы начинают сотрудничество с Гагаузией”, (11.03.2024))
Israel Resumes Gaza Ceasefire Talks During Ramadan
Despite the stalemate in the negotiations, representatives of Israel and Hamas are continuing talks on ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement by the Israeli intelligence service MOSSAD published on the website of the Israeli Foreign Ministry. The statement said that David Barnea, the head of Israel's foreign intelligence service MOSSAD, met with William J. Burns, the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), on March 8 to "continue advancing the next agreement on the return of abductees" held by Palestinian militants.
Also, "At this stage, Hamas is firmly maintaining its position of disinterest in the agreement and is trying to destabilize the situation in the region during Ramadan (which began on March 10) at the expense of Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip" in the statement. In addition to this, he stressed that the Israeli side continues to cooperate with intermediaries "with the aim of smoothing disputes and advancing agreements."
(Ведомости, “Израиль продолжит переговоры о перемирии в Газе в месяц Рамадан”, (11.03.2024))
Ivanovo Oblast – The Ilyushin Il-76 Crash
On March 12, The Ilyushin Il-76 with 15 people on board - eight crew members and seven passengers - crashed in Ivanovo Oblast.
The Defense Minister announced that the crash occurred around 13:00 Moscow time when the flight was planned. The probable cause of the accident is said to be engine combustion and the plane reportedly crashed in Bogorodskoye cemetery.
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the plane was shot down by the US Patriot system (MIM-104 Patriot). This was justified by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation and confirmed by The New York Times.
(Ведомости, “Что известно после крушения Ил-76 в Ивановской области”, (12.03.2024))
Russian Forces Block Passage of Ukrainian Sabotage and Reconnaissance Group
The Ministry of Defense announced that units of the Armed Forces of Russia, together with units of the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, blocked attempts by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to cross into the Belgorod and Kursk border regions. It also emphasized that "violations of the State border are not allowed".
(Ведомости, “Российские силы пресекли прорыв украинских ДРГ”, (12.03.2024))
Since 2014, Those Injured in Donbas will be Eligible for Benefits
The Federal Portal for Projects on Normative Legal Regulation has opened for public discussion a draft government decree that would make it possible to establish a causal relationship between combat injuries (injuries, traumas, concussions) or illnesses of people's militias and their participation in the conflict in Donbas since 11 May 2014.
(Ведомости, “Получившие ранения с 2014 года в Донбассе получат право на льготы”, (13.03.2024))
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Deepens Relations with the EU
On March 14, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke at a cabinet meeting about the decisions taken by the Armenian government to strengthen its relations with the European Union. Pashinyan also emphasized that "with this resolution, the European Parliament recognized Armenia's achievements in the field of democracy, rule of law and fight against corruption, which is extremely important for the international perception of our country."
(Ведомости, “Премьер Армении Никол Пашинян выступил за углубление отношений с ЕС”, (15.03.2024))
Presidential Election Begins in Russia
On March 15, three days of voting for the Russian presidential elections began. Polling stations on the Kamchatka Peninsula and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug opened first (at 08:00 am), while in Moscow it was an hour before midnight.
Four candidates are contesting the Presidential elections: Vladislav Davankov, a member of the Russian State Duma from the "New People", current President Vladimir Putin, who has declared himself as a candidate, Leonid Slutsky, a member of the Russian State Duma from the "Liberal-Democratic Party of Russia", Nikolay Haritonov, a member of the Russian State Duma from the "Communist Party of the Russian Federation" and a deputy of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation.
(Ведомости, “В России началось голосование на президентских выборах”, (15.03.2024))
Tenth Anniversary of the Annexation of the Crimean Peninsula
Crimea is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the March 16 referendum on the status of the peninsula. In 2014, more than 96% of Crimeans and 95% of Sevastopol residents voted for reunification with Russia. Crimean President Sergey Valeryevich Aksyonov on his Telegram channel reported that "Ten years ago, Crimeans made a choice that changed the fate of each of us, Crimea, Russia and the world. For Crimea, March 16, 2014, the Crimean referendum, which resulted in the reunification of the peninsula with Russia, became a historic day."
In addition, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Crimean leadership on the tenth anniversary of Crimea's reunification with Russia.
(Аргументы и Факты, “Путин поздравил Крым с 10-летием воссоединения с Россией”, (16.03.2024))
On the other hand, the President of the Federation of Crimean Tatar Associations Ünver Sel said that the Ukrainian government should forget about Crimea forever and abandon any hope of getting it back.
Russian Presidential Elections Ended
In the eighth presidential elections held in Russia, Vladimir Putin was elected President of Russia for the fifth time with 87% of the vote, according to the Russian Central Election Committee and polling data from 1,400 polling stations. Voting in the presidential elections lasted for three days for the first time. The turnout was 77.44%, a record high in the history of all presidential elections held in Russia.
On the other hand, according to the polling data, Nikolay Haritonov, Member of the State Duma of Russia and Deputy of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation from the "Communist Party of the Russian Federation," secured second place with 4.6% of the votes. Vladislav Davankov, Member of the State Duma of Russia from the "New People's Party," came in third with 4.2% of the votes, while Leonid Slutsky, Member of the State Duma of Russia from the "Liberal Democratic Party of Russia," secured the fourth place with 3.0% of the votes.
(Ведомости, “В России завершились президентские выборы”, (18.03.2024))
(Ведомости, “Более 75 млн человек проголосовали за Владимира Путина”, (18.03.2024))
Former Russian Human Rights Commissioner Ella Pamfilova stated that the turnout in the presidential elections was 77.44%, the highest in Russia's modern history. It was also announced that a total of 87,113,127 people voted in the presidential elections.
(Ведомости, “Памфилова заявила о рекордной в новейшей истории России явке на выборах”, (18.03.2024))
On the other hand, Vasily Piskaryov, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption, stated that there were numerous attempts to interfere in these elections. He also noted that the West used tactics of intimidation and active psychological pressure.
(Ведомости, “Российские власти обвинили Запад во вмешательстве в выборы”, (18.03.2024))
In foreign affairs, Vatican President Francis and more than 10 world leaders congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as President of Russia. Among them were Tajik President Imamali Rahman, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Bolivian President Luis Arce, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, Honduran President Xiomara Castro, and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Congratulations were also sent by Evghenia Gutul, President of the Gagauz Autonomous Region of Moldova, and Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing.
(Ведомости, “Лидеры стран начали поздравлять Путина с переизбранием”, (18.03.2024))
Putin made a Speech on the Anniversary of Crimea's Reunification with Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at a concert held to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia. He also congratulated the Russian people on the anniversary of this event.
The President stated, "Crimea is not only a strategically important region. It is also about history, pride, and most importantly its people – the people of Sevastopol and Crimea. They are our pride. They have never separated themselves from Russia. This is what has allowed Crimea to become a part of our common family."
Putin also emphasized that the residents of Novorossiya and Donbass have expressed their desire to return to their own families. He noted that their path is even more difficult and tragic.
Vladimir Putin concluded his speech with the statement, "But we have achieved this. And this is a great event in the history of our state. Now, we are developing together and moving forward, feeling each other."
(Ведомости, “Путин выступил на концерте к годовщине воссоединения Крыма с Россией”, (18.03.2024))
The Tension Between Armenia and Azerbaijan
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that border demarcation commissions have initiated the process of defining Armenia's definitive borders. Additionally, he added that in the coming days, Yerevan will seek agreement with Baku on four border villages to prevent the outbreak of a new war.
In a meeting with residents of the border villages, Pashinyan stated, "They (the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan) say let's release the settlement areas of the villages mutually, then we can discuss the areas of vital importance. Our policy, however, is that we should not allow the start of war. Therefore, we have decided to clarify the border of Armenia in this region."
Additionally, Prime Minister Pashinyan reminded that Armenia demanded the return of 31 villages to its control, while Azerbaijan claimed four settlements.
China Among Vladimir Putin's First Visits
After assuming office as Russia's president for the fifth time, it has been announced that Vladimir Putin's first foreign visit will be to China. This visit is expected to take place in the second half of 2024, around mid-May.
The reason for this is explained by the fact that Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met twice in 2023. Indeed, the Chinese leader's first foreign visit after being reappointed in March was to Moscow. Then, in October, the Russian President attended the "Belt and Road" forum held in Beijing.
(Ведомости, “Первый визит Владимира Путина после инаугурации состоится в Китай”, (20.03.2024))
Terror Attack at "Crocus City Hall"
On the evening of Friday, March 22, a shooting occurred at the concert planned to be held at "Crocus City Hall" in Moscow Oblast, where the music group "Picnic" was scheduled to perform. Several individuals entered the concert hall's parterre and the lobby of the building, opening fire on people waiting for the concert to begin. Following the incident, the building caught fire. According to the latest reports, the death toll has risen to 115, with over 100 people hospitalized.
On the other hand, many countries and organizations expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack and condemned the terrorist act.
(Ведомости, “Как на теракт в «Крокусе» отреагировали в мире”, (23.03.2024))
Following the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the Russian people in a speech, describing the events as a bloody terrorist attack.
At the beginning of his speech, the President addressed all citizens, including children, youth, and women, saying, "I speak to you because of the bloody and barbaric terrorist act that has resulted in the deaths of dozens of innocent civilians."
He believed that doctors would do "everything possible and even the impossible" to preserve the lives and health of the injured. Additionally, he separately thanked emergency medical services and air medical services workers, special forces, rescue workers, and firefighters.
He also added that he could not overlook the assistance provided by the civilian population who did not remain indifferent and unresponsive in the first moments after the tragedy, providing first aid alongside doctors and personnel.
President Vladimir Putin stated that necessary assistance will be provided to the wounded and victims, and he offered his condolences to everyone affected by this dreadful tragedy, especially to those who lost their loved ones.
In response, Vladimir Putin declared March 24 as a nationwide day of mourning for the victims of the terrorist attack in Moscow.
He also announced that additional preventive measures against terrorism and sabotage have been taken in Moscow and all regions of Russia. Furthermore, he reported that the four perpetrators of the terrorist attack have been identified and apprehended. The president also stated that the terrorists are heading towards Ukraine.
Finally, Putin emphasized that Russia is not only facing a well-planned terrorist attack but also a mass massacre organized against innocent and defenseless people. He also compared the attack to the actions carried out by the Nazis during the Second World War (the Great Patriotic War on the Eastern Front during World War II) in occupied territories. Additionally, he stated that regardless of who they are or who directs them, all perpetrators, organizers, and planners of this crime will face fair and inevitable punishments. As Putin concluded his speech, he remarked that Russia has endured numerous challenging experiences but has emerged stronger each time, asserting, "It will be the same now."
(Ведомости, “Владимир Путин выступил с телеобращением в связи с терактом в «Крокусе»”, (23.03.2024))
Following the Terror Attack at 'Crocus City Hall,' Discussions About Capital Punishment Have Begun
Russia's Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitri Medvedev, became the first figure to initiate steps towards reinstating the highest level of punishment concerning the 'Crocus City Hall' attack. Subsequently, Vladimir Vasilyev, an Advisor to the Russian President, announced that the issue of capital punishment for terrorism would be examined in the lower house. He also stated that the decision taken would align with the expectations of society. Natalya Poklonskaya, an advisor to the Russian Prosecutor General, expressed solidarity regarding the abolition of the moratorium.
(Ведомости, “К нападавшим на «Крокус» нельзя применить смертную казнь”, (25.03.2024))
On the other hand, it was stated that the Kremlin did not participate in the discussion regarding the lifting of the moratorium on the death penalty. In this context, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed journalists that the Kremlin did not engage in the debate over reinstating the death penalty.
(Коммерсантъ, “Кремль не участвует в дискуссии по отмене моратория на смертную казнь”, (25.02.2024))
The UN Security Council has Accepted the Ceasefire Decision in Gaza for the First Time
On March 25th, The New York Times reported that the United Nations Security Council nearly unanimously accepted the ceasefire in Gaza. According to the statement, 14 members of the Security Council - five permanent and ten temporary - supported the resolution, with the United States abstaining.
(Ведомости, “Совет Безопасности впервые принял резолюцию о прекращении огня в Газе”, (25.03.2024))
France Raised the Terror Threat Level Following the Terrorist Attack in Russia
On March 24th, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced that they had raised the terror threat level to its highest level. The decision was made following a meeting of the National Defense Management Center Council convened by the country's President Emmanuel Macron, in connection with the terrorist attack at "Crocus City Hall" in the Moscow Oblast on March 22nd.
(Ведомости, “Франция повысила уровень террористической угрозы после теракта в России”, (26.03.2024))
Extensive Detentions were carried out in Turkey on Suspicion of being Linked to ISIS
Turkey's Minister of Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, announced that within the scope of operations against ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or Islamic State, recognized as a terrorist organization and banned by Russia), security forces in the country have detained 147 individuals suspected of being linked to the terrorist organization. However, the Minister did not specify when the detentions took place.
According to the data provided by the Ministry of Interior, the operation was conducted in 30 provinces of Turkey, and it was stated that numerous documents and digital materials related to ISIS activities were seized. Additionally, Yerlikaya announced that since April 1, 2023, Turkish special forces have conducted 1329 operations and detained 2929 individuals associated with ISIS. Furthermore, it was reported that out of these individuals, 692 have been arrested by court order.
(Ведомости, “В Турции прошли масштабные задержания подозреваемых в связях с ИГ”, (27.03.2024))
The EU has Decided not to Transfer the 5 billion Euros Obtained from Russian Assets to Kiev
European Union authorities have decided to withhold €5 billion in proceeds from the investment of Russian assets frozen for two years, which will not be given to Ukraine. It was announced that funds obtained in this manner until February 15, 2024, will remain in Euroclear to cover current and potential litigation expenses in Russia and other countries, referencing an unpublished document cited by Politico on March 27.
Euroclear is a Belgium-based financial services company specializing in the clearing and settlement of securities transactions, as well as the custody and provision of asset services.
(Ведомости, “ЕС решил не передавать Киеву 5 млрд евро дохода от российских активов”, (28.03.2024))
Kosovo is being Admitted to the Council of Europe
The Political Affairs and Democracy Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe approved the admission of partially recognized Kosovo to the Council of Europe on March 27th. It was announced that the next step would involve the application being voted on in the General Assembly, with the final decision to be made by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
On the other hand, Serbia has threatened to withdraw from the Council of Europe if the Council votes in favor of the former Serbian region's accession to the organization.
(Ведомости, “Косово принимают в Совет Европы”, (28.03.2024))
The Regulations of the State Duma of the Russian Federation will be Brought in Line with the Constitution
A number of amendments to the regulations of the State Duma of the Russian Federation are planned, and a draft resolution was submitted to the lower house by the commission on the provision of regulations and activities. The statement said that some of the changes would be of a legal and technical nature in order to harmonize the regulations adopted in 2020 with the constitutional amendments. The chairman of the commission, Viktor Pinsky, stated that in fact "nothing has changed" and that the changes are needed precisely "to harmonize the regulation with the Constitution".