Russia-Ukraine war live: west criticises Putin’s election win as Xi Jinping sends congratulations
German foreign ministry says ‘Putin’s rule is authoritarian’ as China’s president says country will maintain ties with Russia
The EU has said the Russian election took place in a highly restricted environment “exacerbated by Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine”.
The EU said it regretted the decision of Russian authorities not to invite international observers to its elections.