What to know about Russia’s presidential election, set to give Putin another six-year term

By KATIE MARIE DAVIS and DASHA LITVINOVA
Associated Press

This week’s election in Russia is expected to cement President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power until at least 2030. Any members of the political opposition who could have challenged him in the election are either in prison or exiled abroad. Independent media outlets that could show criticism of his policies have been blocked. And the Kremlin maintains rigid control over the political system and electoral process in the country of 146 million people. Still, the Russian election will be closely watched by those looking for insight into the major nuclear power as it continues its 2-year-old full-scale invasion of Ukraine.