Ella Pamfilova’s remarks come ahead of next month’s regional elections across Russia, as well as the 2024 presidential election, in which President Vladimir Putin is expected to seek re-election for a fifth term in office. Sources close to the presidential administration told the independent Meduza news website last month that regional authorities have been tasked with ensuring no less than 80% of the votes for the Russian leader.
Statement should have read “Putin does not need Western democracy.” Suppose that would get Ella defenestrated, though.