The US has denounced Russia’s recent presidential election as neither “free nor fair,” with results showing President Vladimir Putin securing approximately 87% of the votes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy labeled Putin a “Russian dictator,” while Putin’s post-election remarks highlighted a stern warning to NATO, suggesting that direct military conflict with Russia could precipitate a third world war. Chinese President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to Putin, emphasizing the significance Beijing places on its relationship with Russia.