Russia Holds Presidential Election as Putin Tightens Control

Vladimir Putin is pushing for another term in an election critics call a farce, while veterans of the war in Ukraine run for seats in parliament.

Russia is holding a presidential election, but most people watching from the outside say the result is already decided. Vladimir Putin is expected to win easily, keeping his grip on power for years to come. Experts and world leaders are calling this a 'sham' election. That is a fancy way of saying it is fake. They argue that there is no real competition because anyone who truly challenges Putin is either in jail, in exile, or prevented from running. As part of this process, the government is highlighting veterans who fought in the war in Ukraine. Some of these soldiers are now running for …