The usage of quotation marks around the word "election" reflects the obvious scepticism of Ukrainians as they observed Russia's presidential "election" unfold. It was not so much who would win as it was how much support Vladimir Putin would claim. As Putin was believed to have won 87% of the vote, Ukraine's depressing expectations were realized.
The election result in Ukraine was greeted with a serious recognition of the ramifications rather than with comic relief. For them, Putin's victory meant more than just winning the election; it meant that the terrible fighting that has dogged their country for years will continue.
Responding to the election outcome, President Volodymyr Zelensky was clear-cut. Declaring Putin to be "sick with power," he urged Ukraine's friends to make him answer for his deeds. Zelensky appealed to the whole community for justice, asking the International Criminal Court to arrest Putin for purported war crimes committed in Ukraine.
To Ukraine, the strictly regulated character of the Russian elections is nothing new. There are no real opposition candidates on the ballot, hence the Kremlin has painstakingly created the impression that Putin is indispensable to Russia. But Putin represents for Ukraine not only a political figure but also the mastermind of their misery, including the destruction of cities like Mariupol, Bucha, and Bakhmut, the uprooting of millions of people, and the death toll.
Ukraine is deeply scarred by war; it is visible in the faces of the surviving and the graves of the dead. Deeply ingrained in Ukrainian animosity is Russia, who they see as sharing in their misery. Some Russians, notably dissidents and exiles who have suffered for criticizing Putin's government, share this feeling.
Though the two countries are at odds, there are moments of unity. Ukrainian-Russian cooperation against Putin's aggression is evidence of the humanity and common sense of conscience that cut beyond national boundaries.
Ukraine is preparing for more hostilities under Putin's direction with tenacity that comes from need. Given no other option, Ukraine is adamant about preserving its sovereignty and the principles of democracy and freedom.