“There are three options”: how the world can respond to the results of Putin’s illegal “elections”

Will the leaders recognize the elections in Russia in 2024 European countries/Collage 24 Channel, Getty Images

Vladimir Putin announced that he will go to the presidential elections, which will be held on March 17 2024. Although back in 2018 he promised not to change the constitution to suit himself. However, two years later, his presidential terms were “reset to zero” when changes to the constitution were adopted.

Now Putin has the opportunity to run for office twice more and hold on to power until 2036. However, the question remains whether the so-called elections in Russia and its legitimacy will be recognized by European leaders. Human rights activist Mark Feygin spoke about this 24 Channel, adding that Europe is considering different positions on the reaction to the presidential elections in Russia.

Putin reacts painfully

He noted that there are three options for resolving this issue:

• do not recognize elections in Russia;
• recognize elections with compliance with formal procedure;
• silence.

The way the situation is unfolding, the third option will probably be chosen – everyone will get wet. This is supposedly recognition and non-recognition at the same time,” the human rights activist noted.

PACE adopted a resolution on non-recognition of Putin’s legitimacy if he is elected President of Russia for a new term.

At the same time, there is another opinion. If the elections in Russia are not officially recognized, as was the case with Alexander Lukashenko. Then the question arises of how to conduct negotiations with Putin about the war in Ukraine, if such ever take place. with him. The head of the Kremlin constantly remembers this. And then with whom to negotiate if he is an illegitimate president?” Feigin explained.

In fact, in his opinion , in each country it is decided in a particular case what political position to take.

Can involve intermediaries

Ukraine has a decision of the National Security and Defense Council, which prohibits sitting down the negotiating table is with Putin, then there is no point in keeping silent about the elections in Russia, because anyway the Ukrainian authorities will not sit down at the negotiating table with him.

However, it is unknown in which one format, negotiations on the war in Ukraine may take place. It cannot be ruled out that they will be carried out through intermediaries. Just as negotiations were conducted on the grain agreement.

“It is also possible that such a model of negotiations will occur in which Ukraine, which does not recognize Putin as their subject, will not necessarily negotiate with him directly. And a binary separate agreement will be adopted,” suggested Mark Feigin.

What is known about the presidential elections in Russia

• Presidential elections in Russia will take place on March 17, 2024. As expected, Vladimir Putin announced his participation in them.
• This happened on December 8 during a ceremony dedicated to the so-called “Day of Heroes of the Fatherland.” Commenting on his decision, Putin admitted that at different times he had “different opinions” on this matter. However, he realized that “today it is impossible to do otherwise.”
• Let us recall that in Russia, in 2020, a restriction clause was removed from the constitution, which did not allow one and the same the same person to hold the post of president of the country for more than two consecutive terms. Because of her, Putin, who was “elected” president in 2012 and “re-elected” in 2018, was not eligible to run in the 2024 elections.
• However, after by eliminating the word “consecutively”, Putin was given the opportunity to participate in elections in 2024 and 2030.