he is of course trying to present this as a overwhelming display of national unity, and a sign of, show of defiance to russia's enemies round the world. he said that russia's power is derived from its people, which is part of this message of presenting this election as a genuine democratic exercise where the russian people have shown him their support, rather than something carefully choreographed by the kremlin. he spoke of russians being one team and one family, and of course, appealing to this traditional values agenda, which we have seen him push over the year, by saying he had spoken to the head of the russian orthodox church. another key point he mentioned what russia calls the new region, the occupied pars of ukraine. we calls the new region, the occupied pars of ukraine.— calls the new region, the occupied pars of ukraine. we are going to gok back to the press _ pars of ukraine. we are going to gok back to the press conference, - pars of ukraine. we are going to gok back to the press conference, we - back to the press conference, we have the translator, let us hear what he is saying. translation: ,, ., . , , translation: set out recently, in my address to the — translation: set out recently, in my address to the federal _ translation: set out recently, in my address to the federal assembly, - translation: set out recently, in my address to the federal assembly, and l address to the federal assembly, and our task is to use the trust of russian citizens and to do all we can to make sure that all the tasks we have set are resolved and all the goals are achieved.— goals are achieved. what would you like to say tonight _ goals are achieved. what would you like to say tonight to _ goals are achieved. what would you like to say tonight to citizens - goals are achieved. what would you like to say tonight to citizens of - like to say tonight to citizens of russia? — like to say tonight to citizens of russia? |— like to say tonight to citizens of russia? ., like to say tonight to citizens of russia? . , , , russia? i have “ust said this in my meetin: russia? i have “ust said this in my meeting with — russia? i have just said this in my meeting with my _ russia? i have just said this in my meeting with my team, _ russia? i have just said this in my meeting with my team, my - russia? i have just said this in my i meeting with my team, my election team, and i again would like to thank all citizens of russia for the trust that you have put in me and i will do everything i can, everything in my power to resolve the tasks facing the country. and to achieve the goals that we believe are absolutely the priority, thank you very much. absolutely the priority, thank you very much-— absolutely the priority, thank you ve much. ., ., ., ., , ~ very much. congratulations mr putin. on 7th may after _ very much. congratulations mr putin. on 7th may after the _ very much. congratulations mr putin. on 7th may after the inauguration - on 7th may after the inauguration your administration should resign according — your administration should resign according to the law, are you going to wait— according to the law, are you going to wait until — according to the law, are you going to wait until then, or you going to form _ to wait until then, or you going to form your— to wait until then, or you going to form your new team in the next few day, and _ form your new team in the next few day, and are — form your new team in the next few day, and are you going to make many changes? _ day, and are you going to make many chances? ., ~ ., , , changes? you know, the results achieved in _ changes? you know, the results achieved in the _ changes? you know, the results achieved in the last _ changes? you know, the results achieved in the last few - changes? you know, the results achieved in the last few years i changes? you know, the results i achieved in the last few years show that the administrative team in the broad sense of word is quite effective and the results of the work, as i have said before o satisfactory, and this applies to the government, to the central bank to the admin strayicser to the presidential administration, the issueis presidential administration, the issue is who will be the most effective where, so the overall result of the teams work is productive, so i and my colleagues from the administration, and the central bank... they are the core of the administration team, working on macroeconomic stability, we will have a think as colleagues and will make decisions collegiately, the law allows us to take up to one—and—a—half, two months and that is what we do, without a fuss. please give them the microphone. intelfax news agency, the latest events _ intelfax news agency, the latest events in — intelfax news agency, the latest events in bell grad to do with the russian — events in bell grad to do with the russian volunteer liege, do you know about— russian volunteer liege, do you know about this _ russian volunteer liege, do you know about this formation, what does it represent? — about this formation, what does it reresent? ., ~ ., about this formation, what does it represent?— represent? you know back in the durin: represent? you know back in the during the _ represent? you know back in the during the great _ represent? you know back in the during the great patriotic- represent? you know back in the during the great patriotic war - represent? you know back in the l during the great patriotic war there was a formation set up by a traitor, the people, they fought against their motherland, with arm, and you know how they ended up. so these, these traitors fought on the side of these traitors fought on the side of the nazis, and today we have exactly the nazis, and today we have exactly the same people fighting on the side of the neo—nazi, these are obvious things, i don't need to repeat myself, their main national hero's ban deraa, and we have nothing —— banderra. we have nothing left to prove. there are a few groups like that, the volunteer corps you mention, there are four groups like that in total about 2,500 people. so now they are a kind of canon fodder, fed to these assaults and that is exactly the term we can use on the state border. the enemy losses are huge. these so—called volunteers, i don't remember how many were used, i think up to 1500. about 800 were lost. so this is what i would like to say in this connection. they took up to say in this connection. they took up arms against their own country, their motherland, we have no death penalty, but for these people, always, now and in future, we will always, now and in future, we will always treat these people as those in combat. we will treat them as people who took up arm, and all the law enforcement authorities will be instructed to find everyone, and for those, to those people fighting with arms against russia, they should take appropriate measures. their effectiveness is minimum. even those on the battlefield, the commanders are saying we can see they are not professional soldiers, they act like a crowd. they are canon fodder. overall on the state border, despite the terrorist attacks, and we know this well, those citizens living in those areas have shown not only their citizen maturity, but their courage, and know, as i said before, nobody can intimidate them. it is impossible to intimidate our people. the turn out there, and in the new regions, and in the border area, the turn out is higher than the average for the country. this is those people's response to the attempt to intimidate them. those who try have no idea who they are dealing with. and maybe that is is a good thing they have no idea, because in this case they will certainly fail. and right now, again, they are trying to enter somewhere, and they have almost completely been annihilated. 25 tanks have been destroyed. and overall, the enemy concentrated up to 5,000 people, not on the border itself, but nearby. their overall losses are at a0%. about 35% are dead soldiers. 25 tanks, dozens of apcs, well if they like it, it suits us, because they attack recklessly, it is a meat grinder for them. we benefit from it. let them try. they will —— there will be fewer men to fight in other parts of the contact line. but overall, the russian armed forces hold the initiative. and only sayre —— some areas, we are cutting the enemy to pieces. day—by—day. this is a little bit more than active defence, we can see think. at least the people you mentioned i don't envy their fate. that is guaranteed. 0k, mentioned i don't envy their fate. that is guaranteed. ok, let's listen to some more questions. mr putin, in this election some opposition leaders sitting abroad urged their supporters to vote against you at noon today. there were also incidents of fire, election polling stations set to fire, set, well, as i have heard, there have been calls to come at noon, to the polling stations and this was some kind of show, this was meant to be a show of the opposition. well if they came to vote, as i usually say they should be praised. whenever i urged people to vote, i wasn't doing this for my sake, i was speaking as the head of state. that was my duty to ask people to come to the polling stations and vote, if the opposition believed that it was important to come and vote, that was good. well done. as far as i understand, this really was of no effect. but the fact that some spoiled ballot papers, that was bad, because if you don't want to vote, yourself, or you want to show your trust in some other candidate, or you just don't want to vote, that is one thing, but if you decided to ruin it for those who wanted to vote, who needed to vote, to fulfil their citizen duty, you show contempt for their position, that is bad. that is at least undemocratic, what kind of democracy is it.— least undemocratic, what kind of democracy is it. least undemocratic, what kind of democra is it. ., ., democracy is it. people have come to show their will, _ democracy is it. people have come to show their will, and _ democracy is it. people have come to show their will, and you _ democracy is it. people have come to show their will, and you have - democracy is it. people have come to show their will, and you have ruined l show their will, and you have ruined their ballot papers, is this democratic? this kind of people, thanis democratic? this kind of people, than is the kind of people we are dealing with, this is a criminal offence, and according to the law, our law enforcement of authorities and ourjudiciary will deal with and our judiciary will deal with this and ourjudiciary will deal with this accordingly. mr putin, what do you think about the current— mr putin, what do you think about the current state of russian chinese relation, _ the current state of russian chinese relation, and in your opinion, what will he _ relation, and in your opinion, what will he the — relation, and in your opinion, what will be the relationship between russia _ will be the relationship between russia and china during a new presidential term? a russia and china during a new presidential term?— russia and china during a new presidential term? a very important event has just _ presidential term? a very important event hasjust happened. _ presidential term? a very important event hasjust happened. the - event has just happened. the people's assembly in china, china is moving at a great pace, by leaps and bounds moving toer ward. what is important the structure of the chinese economy is changing in favour of innovation, in favour of making the economy more innovative, and we too try to do the same in our country, we face the same task, that is first. secondly, the people's republic of china is very active on the international scene, and it is very successful is. it has many friends all over the world. the attempts made by those unfriendly to china, first of all this is to do with attempts to create provocations around taiwan, which is an unalienable part of china, the sanctions taken against china to slow down its progress, all those attempts, are doomed to fail. there is no doubt, even among those whoa are trying to take this illegal course of action, as for our relationship it has been shaped in the last two decades, they are very availability, mutually complementty and this interaction will be maintained, also thanks to my personal friendly relationship where the chairman of the people's republic, and that is not the main thing, the main thing is our state interests coincide and this sets a good tone for us to solve our company tasks in international relations where relations between russia and china are a stabilising factor, and from the point of our activities in eurasia, and china is carrying are out its own plan to do with the one build one road initiative, the silk road, this is an important initiative by president xi and we have a lot of common points in economic, in the economy, and we will only strengthen this and strengthen our relationship and achieve success for the benefit of the chinese and russian people. please give him the microphone. 0ver please give him the microphone. over here. mr please give him the microphone. over here. ~ ., ., here. mr putin, on the whole... could you _ here. mr putin, on the whole... could you say. _ here. mr putin, on the whole... could you say, is _ here. mr putin, on the whole... could you say, is the _ here. mr putin, on the whole... could you say, is the situation l here. mr putin, on the whole... - could you say, is the situation what you dreamed of? | could you say, is the situation what you dreamed of?— could you say, is the situation what you dreamed of? i have been dreaming of a stron: you dreamed of? i have been dreaming of a strong sovereign _ you dreamed of? i have been dreaming of a strong sovereign and _ of a strong sovereign and independent russia and i hope the election result will allow us to achieve this goal, together with the russian people. achieve this goal, together with the russian people-— achieve this goal, together with the russian people. macron said recently that he will ask _ russian people. macron said recently that he will ask president _ russian people. macron said recently that he will ask president macron - that he will ask president macron recently— that he will ask president macron recently said he would ask russia for a _ recently said he would ask russia for a ceasefire in ukraine, to the duration— for a ceasefire in ukraine, to the duration of— for a ceasefire in ukraine, to the duration of the olympics in paris, is russia — duration of the olympics in paris, is russia prepared to consider this proposal. — is russia prepared to consider this proposal, on what terms and will this depend on our athletes taking part? _ this depend on our athletes taking part? i_ this depend on our athletes taking art? ., �* ~' ., this depend on our athletes taking -art? ., �* ~ ., ., this depend on our athletes taking art? ., �* ,, ., ., , part? i don't know about this statement — part? i don't know about this statement by _ part? i don't know about this statement by the _ part? i don't know about this statement by the french - part? i don't know about this - statement by the french president, we are prepared to consider any issue but in any situation, we will be based on the interests of the russian federation. and of course the situation along the combat contact line. again, we are in favour of peace negotiations but not because the enemy is running out of ammunition, we are in favour of it, if they are seriously minded to build a long—term good neighbourly relations between the two state, not to take a break to rearm themselves in the next two years. these are very serious issues. as for the olympics, the international officials are subverting the whole meaning of international sports. and that is a separate issue. studio: that is vladimir putin who came out on state television just before it was, just before local time mid night, about 20 minutes ago here in the uk. first off addressing his supporters, and the volunteers, thanking them for their trust, putting their trust in him, their hard work, then he moved away and is now speaking to russian reporters. i am joined here in the studio by a specialist on russia and monitoring russia for bbc monitoring. i wonder if we could start off with the first time we saw him come out to speak, what did he say?— what did he say? well, he said that this was a display _ what did he say? well, he said that this was a display of _ what did he say? well, he said that this was a display of national - this was a display of national unity, essentially and that russia's power was derived from its people, he thanked everyone involved in holding the election and of course was keen to present this as a genuine democratic exercise where the people of russia had come out firmly in his support. ok. the people of russia had come out firmly in his support.— firmly in his support. ok, he has now been _ firmly in his support. ok, he has now been speaking _ firmly in his support. ok, he has now been speaking to _ firmly in his support. ok, he has now been speaking to the - firmly in his support. ok, he has. now been speaking to the reporter, russian reporters, in terms of the questions that are thrown at him and how he has been responding, what stood out for you so far? think how he has been responding, what stood out for you so far?— stood out for you so far? think the most important — stood out for you so far? think the most important one _ stood out for you so far? think the most important one for— stood out for you so far? think the most important one for me - stood out for you so far? think the most important one for me is - stood out for you so far? think the i most important one for me is what stood out for you so far? think the i most important one for me is what he said about the occupied regions of ukraine. we knew from the start when the election was going to be held in the election was going to be held in the areas of ukraine which russia call tese its new regions which it is occupied since the full scale invasion two years ago and of course crimea from earlier, that this would be used to show that the people there wanted to be protected in vladimir putin's own words, and he stressed that the turn out in those regions was higher than across russia as a country. than the national average. russia as a country. than the nationalaverage. he russia as a country. than the national average. he spoke about russia advancing in ukraine every day and saying that the country was making progress there, and fully had the upper hand. it is making progress there, and fully had the upper hand-— the upper hand. it is interesting isn't it, because _ the upper hand. it is interesting isn't it, because he _ the upper hand. it is interesting isn't it, because he was - the upper hand. it is interesting isn't it, because he was talking, the upper hand. it is interesting i isn't it, because he was talking, he was asked about international relations and first off we heard about a point that was put to mr macron in terms of a possible ceasefire, because we have the olympics coming up. those international relation also be important for russia but they have key allies don't they and one of those that was brought up was china. exactly in the last two years the rhetoric from president putin and the kremlin and russian state media, russia is not isolated and that despite the west�*s unprecedented sanctions on russia, and the isolation from the lest that it has allies elsewhere, countries that it can continue to trade with, that it can, that it can boost its gdp on the back of, and that it has friends in places like africa and latin america, and asia and that is really ma the world issage notjust the west. ma the world issage not “ust the west. �* h, ma the world issage not “ust the west. �* ., ., ., ma the world issage not “ust the west. ., , west. also asked about what happens between now — west. also asked about what happens between now and _ west. also asked about what happens between now and the _ west. also asked about what happens between now and the 7th _ west. also asked about what happens between now and the 7th may, i i between now and the 7th may, i believe that is the date slated for his inauguration, what should we expect? his inauguration, what should we exect? ~ ., , his inauguration, what should we exect? ~ . , , expect? well there have been reports in the independent _ expect? well there have been reports in the independent russian _ expect? well there have been reports in the independent russian media i in the independent russian media citing sources in the kremlin he could take some unpopular measures, so, we know that he has said he wants to make the russian tax system fairer, reports suggest it could hit middle—income russians harder and this may well be a way of generating more funds for the war in ukraine, for the war machine, there was a question there in the press conference asking if he was happy to approach his new term with the seam team, the same government and the seam leadership of the central bank, a possible reshuffle. he did seem to be quite reticent on that and refused to hint at any kind of major changes saying they had up to two months to make major decisions so we will have to wait and see on that one. to will have to wait and see on that one. ., , ~ ., will have to wait and see on that one. ., ,~ ., , , one. to let viewers know, because reaction has _ one. to let viewers know, because reaction has been _ one. to let viewers know, because reaction has been coming - one. to let viewers know, because reaction has been coming in, i one. to let viewers know, because reaction has been coming in, we . one. to let viewers know, because l reaction has been coming in, we we had the exit poll figures come in we had the exit poll figures come in we had reaction from round the world and immediate neighbours in mr zelensky. we have a camera at the white house, at the moment. we expect to hear from white house, at the moment. we expect to hearfrom mr biden white house, at the moment. we expect to hear from mr biden to speak on st patrick's day celebrations as he normally would. the room, the room is absolutely packed, i don't know if we can just show that room for our viewers, that is a packed, packed room and we would expect questions perhaps to be thrown to mr biden, when he stands up thrown to mr biden, when he stands up at that podium, about his reaction from what president putin had said, vladimir putin has said. early on the reaction from the us was thaw obviously these elections were not free nor were they fair. that really doesn't matter to vladimir putin, from what he said, it was all about how the russian people saw him from what we heard tonight. people saw him from what we heard toniaht. w , ., people saw him from what we heard toniaht. , . ,, ., tonight. exactly, and the russian ambassador— tonight. exactly, and the russian ambassador do _ tonight. exactly, and the russian ambassador do the _ tonight. exactly, and the russian ambassador do the us _ tonight. exactly, and the russian ambassador do the us say i tonight. exactly, and the russiani ambassador do the us say russia tonight. exactly, and the russian i ambassador do the us say russia will not pay any attention to what the us say, any criticism that comes its way from the us, first and foremost this is a domestic exercise, and the kremlin is very much more interested in convincing the russian people that they are fully behind the current president that they are fully behind the current presiden— that they are fully behind the current president �* ., , , current president before believe us, remind us of — current president before believe us, remind us of the _ current president before believe us, remind us of the statisticer, - current president before believe us, remind us of the statisticer, what i remind us of the statisticer, what margins did he win, how old is he, how long is he in powerfor. he is how long is he in power for. he is 71 and could _ how long is he in power for. he is 71 and could rule _ how long is he in power for. he is 71 and could rule until— how long is he in power for. he is 71 and could rule until2036. i how long is he in power for. he is 71 and could rule until2036. by. 71 and could rule until 2036. by which time he will be comfortably the longest ruling russian leader, and he has apparently 87 or 88% of the vote. let and he has apparently 87 or 88% of the vote. , , , the vote. let us listen in, this ress the vote. let us listen in, this press conference _ the vote. let us listen in, this press conference continues. l press conference continues. translation:— press conference continues. translation: , . translation: there is no secret about it. translation: there is no secret about it- we _ translation: there is no secret about it. we are _ translation: there is no secret about it. we are very _ translation: there is no secret about it. we are very open. i i translation: there is no secret about it. we are very open. i am | translation: there is no secret i about it. we are very open. i am not going to let you any on any secret when i say that a few years ago, certain colleagues in the administration had doubts, some said we should extend electronic voting and some were opposed to it. for various reasons, but finally, those whole thought that it was transparent, civilised and modern, those people prevailed, and this allows people to realise their civil rights and we extended this practise. it is transparent, it is absolutely objective. this isn't some postal voting like in the united states, you are smiling but it does matter. what is postal voting?— you are smiling but it does matter. what is postal voting? well, now or here or in the _ what is postal voting? well, now or here or in the united _ what is postal voting? well, now or here or in the united states, i what is postal voting? well, now or here or in the united states, when. here or in the united states, when you run out of time, but you can still post your ballots until midnight because the possession office stamps it. we had a lot of observers, including from foreign states, whether they were part of osc or not, these were independent people, and also party representative, they were observing the process. but what happens in the postal votes in the united states? who monitors it? nobody. you can buy a volt for $10 and then you can buy 1,000 vote, you can post it before midnight, as a pack, and that is your democracy. we have nothing of the sort. of course we are improving our democratic procedures during election campaign, and of course, we will be pleased to share the learnings with anyone who is well disposed towards us. ok, disposed towards us. 0k, just a few more and we will finish. please go ahead. mr putin, i congratulate you. the percentage of votes you have won, nab is _ percentage of votes you have won, nab is a _ percentage of votes you have won, nab is a serious slap in the face of all those — nab is a serious slap in the face of all those who tried to destabilised our internal political system n the european — our internal political system n the european parliament, those who took a lot of— european parliament, those who took a lot of effort to do so, do you think— a lot of effort to do so, do you think they— a lot of effort to do so, do you think they will draw some lessons, they tried — think they will draw some lessons, they tried to destabilise us but the people _ they tried to destabilise us but the people gathered round you. well, i think so, they _ people gathered round you. well, i think so, they are _ people gathered round you. well, i think so, they are not _ people gathered round you. well, i think so, they are not entirely i think so, they are not entirely stupid, all those people who have been working against our country for decades, you know what the problem is? i think that after the fall of the us there were too many specialists in soviet affairs left over and they knew nothing better than to to fight against russia, so their political leadership and their society were told that you must finish russia off. just so that the specialists do not, are not left without a job we the new people coming alearning they will be a lot more sophisticated but they will not change their goals, to, in terms of russia. we too congratulate you and we have a lot of— we too congratulate you and we have a lot of faith in you. my question is you _ a lot of faith in you. my question is you have — a lot of faith in you. my question is you have just brilliantly extended your mandate, but zelensky has not _ extended your mandate, but zelensky has not. who are we going to negotiate _ has not. who are we going to negotiate base?— has not. who are we going to negotiate base? this is a question awaitin: negotiate base? this is a question awaiting somebody _ negotiate base? this is a question awaiting somebody to _ negotiate base? this is a question awaiting somebody to explore i negotiate base? this is a questionl awaiting somebody to explore this, this is a question to be explored. can you tell us about how you are going _ can you tell us about how you are going to — can you tell us about how you are going to go — can you tell us about how you are going to go about forming your new team, _ going to go about forming your new team, forming a new elite, you have mentioned _ team, forming a new elite, you have mentioned the time of heroes, you new project, who do you need, do you need these _ new project, who do you need, do you need these people in your team, how are you _ need these people in your team, how are you going to do that? and also another— are you going to do that? and also another question about attacks in bell grad, — another question about attacks in bell grad, many people dead and wondered, a year go the governor, when _ wondered, a year go the governor, when he _ wondered, a year go the governor, when he was — wondered, a year go the governor, when he was asked how to solve this problem. _ when he was asked how to solve this problem, when he said that we need tojoin_ problem, when he said that we need tojoin kharkiv region to problem, when he said that we need to join kharkiv region to the area to join kharkiv region to the area to step _ to join kharkiv region to the area to step up — to join kharkiv region to the area to step up secure. i to join kharkiv region to the area to step up secure.— to join kharkiv region to the area to step up secure. i am not prepared to step up secure. i am not prepared to say which _ to step up secure. i am not prepared to say which region _ to step up secure. i am not prepared to say which region we _ to step up secure. i am not prepared to say which region we are _ to step up secure. i am not prepared to say which region we are going i to step up secure. i am not prepared to say which region we are going to l to say which region we are going to join to russia or not, but i do not real it out than given the tragic events of today, we will be forced, at a time, to deemed appropriate, we will have to create a certain sanitary zone, in the current territories room bird kyiv regime. a security zone. a security zone that will not be easy to violate using a many weapons which are first of all made abroad. many weapons which are first of all made abroad-— many weapons which are first of all made abroad. how big is the security zone? that is — made abroad. how big is the security zone? that is a _ made abroad. how big is the security zone? that is a separate _ made abroad. how big is the security zone? that is a separate question. i zone? that is a separate question. yes, as zone? that is a separate question. yes. as far — zone? that is a separate question. yes. as far as _ zone? that is a separate question. yes, as far as the _ zone? that is a separate question. yes, as far as the future _ yes, as far as the future administrative core, is concerned, when i mentioned this project at the time of heroes i am not exaggerating. ijust time of heroes i am not exaggerating. i just thought of time of heroes i am not exaggerating. ijust thought of it when i was meeting the participants of the special military operation in st. petersburg. they were all highly educated people, students and it was a simple idea that i have put into words and i am trying to organise it now so that the men who have not spared themselves in the interests of the motherland, who are maimed, literally, and this is a harsh service, they are in the trenches, in the snow and sleet. you can even imagine it if you have not been there, but they are there. these are there, but they are there. these are the people who will do anything for the people who will do anything for the motherland. these are the people that we need to form the new administrative core from. but they need to be trained. they need to be worked on, but where and how, that depends. it depends on where these people would like to apply themselves, some in medicine, some insecurity, some in defence. some want to work in public administration. this will depend on the choice of the person. and not least, what they are prepared to do and their level of training. those who did not have higher education will be given a chance to get it so this is not a propaganda gimmick. i hope that this will be calm and methodical work for years ahead. we have received more than 30,000 applications. the first step will be to select the first several dozen and then we will extend this work but we will progress in that direction. 0k, but we will progress in that direction. ok, let's wrap up. 0k. but we will progress in that direction. ok, let's wrap up. ok. i met the young man. today the communist _ met the young man. today the communist leaders said you are planning — communist leaders said you are planning to meet nikolai. can you confirm _ planning to meet nikolai. can you confirm this meeting and if so, when do you _ confirm this meeting and if so, when do you plan, — confirm this meeting and if so, when do you plan, what do you plan to talk to— do you plan, what do you plan to talk to him — do you plan, what do you plan to talk to him about and when will you see others? — talk to him about and when will you see others? yes talk to him about and when will you see others?— see others? yes we have planned meetinas see others? yes we have planned meetings with — see others? yes we have planned meetings with all _ see others? yes we have planned meetings with all of _ see others? yes we have planned meetings with all of the - meetings with all of the presidential candidates. if you look at the results, this is what i would like to say. 0n the communist party and liberal democratic party and the new people party, as for the new people party, i'm not sure what the final result will be, but citizens are always attracted to something new. people always look forward to change. transformations. so the result that was achieved by people i know well, i know well, the leaders of this party, they are, above all focused on creating a good environment for business. in their election speeches i'm not sure how they phrased it, but the idea was and the meaning of their efforts was firstly, to create a better environment for entrepreneurship. and that is good. because this is the business community and their success depends on the development of the economy and as we know, that is the foundation for achieving national objectives. as for the communist party or the liberal democratic party, we all understand that their electorate is above all a patriotic electorate, as we say. today, a significant portion of their traditional electorate, i think, voted for the incumbent head of state and i mean this difficult situation we are in. so the final result was affected by the situation and i am fully aware of it. but this does not mean they are electorate base has shrunk. no, i don't think so. i think that our internal political life will remain as has been. let's wrap up, maybe. go ahead. mr been. let's wrap up, maybe. go ahead. ~ , ., been. let's wrap up, maybe. go ahead. ~ i. , ., been. let's wrap up, maybe. go ahead. ~ , ., ., ahead. mr putin, you spoke of an unprecedented _ ahead. mr putin, you spoke of an unprecedented turnout _ ahead. mr putin, you spoke of an unprecedented turnout in - ahead. mr putin, you spoke of an unprecedented turnout in the i ahead. mr putin, you spoke of an | unprecedented turnout in the new region— unprecedented turnout in the new region and — unprecedented turnout in the new region and what it was caused by, but were — region and what it was caused by, but were you surprised that almost 100% _ but were you surprised that almost 100% voted for you, were you surprised _ 100% voted for you, were you surprised by this result, did you expected — surprised by this result, did you expected in the near regions? his people _ expected in the near regions? his people became citizens of russia only recently there and, secondly in the west. _ only recently there and, secondly in the west, we are hearing statements that our— the west, we are hearing statements that our election was not free and fair, _ that our election was not free and fair, not _ that our election was not free and fair, not legitimate and generally bad. fair, not legitimate and generally bad are — fair, not legitimate and generally bad. are you worried by their statements? as bad. are you worried by their statements?— bad. are you worried by their statements? ~ , ., , statements? as for the result in donbas, nova — statements? as for the result in donbas, nova rosia _ statements? as for the result in donbas, nova rosia and - statements? as for the result in i donbas, nova rosia and crimea, statements? as for the result in l donbas, nova rosia and crimea, i thought they would be good and positive, but to be honest, i did not expect them to be as great as they are today. what does it mean? first of all, it means that we have been doing everything right. people are thinking us with the decisions made in their protection. that was the main driver. secondly of course, they expect our protection in every sense of the word. first insecurity and of course they expect the development of a social sector and an economy in the territories. of course, we will do everything to meet their expectations. as for the reaction on the part of some foreign countries that was expected, did you expect them to applaud? they are fighting against us in an armed way. are they going to applaud, not me personally, but the forces behind me? those who are trying to strengthen russia. fighting for its sophistry in defence capability. economic independence and sovereignty in the economy and finance. their goal is to contain our development. of course they are going to say anything. your colleague has just mentioned democracy. i responded to him on our assessment of the democratic process in his country and in some others. that is true. the whole world is laughing at what is going on. we are more moderate than their opponents in other countries, we are more reserved and that is a catastrophe, a disaster, not a democracy. so for me, what's important is the choice of the russian people. i rely on the russian people and i work in the interest of these people and our state and i am very grateful to brushy people for their support. yes, if we have any more? it brushy people for their support. yes, if we have any more? it looks like he's taking _ yes, if we have any more? it looks like he's taking questions - yes, if we have any more? it looks like he's taking questions from i like he's taking questions from foreign journalists as well. one i know he did speak to was nbc news. they actually asked mr putin directly, specifically about opposition leader aleksei navalny. this is been monitored in what was his response, what was he responding and what was significant? significance because this is the first time — significance because this is the first time he's mentioned him since the opposition leader's death and he actually— the opposition leader's death and he actually mentioned to him but uttered — actually mentioned to him but uttered his name in public which he has not _ uttered his name in public which he has not done before it was simply said he _ has not done before it was simply said he saw them too much of a formidable enemy someone generally capable _ formidable enemy someone generally capable of colonising people onto the streets against him in huge numbers — the streets against him in huge numbers. that he simply refused to utter _ numbers. that he simply refused to utter his— numbers. that he simply refused to utter his name. and you sees various euphemisms — utter his name. and you sees various euphemisms describing him as that councilman or the berlin patient after— councilman or the berlin patient after alexei navalny was taken to treatment after being poisoned in august— treatment after being poisoned in august 2020. what he said was it was a sad _ august 2020. what he said was it was a sad event _ august 2020. what he said was it was a sad event. he appeared quite dismissive that alexei navalny had died and _ dismissive that alexei navalny had died and he said others had died in prison— died and he said others had died in prison as _ died and he said others had died in prison as well and he said this was not the _ prison as well and he said this was not the first time it had happened. and then _ not the first time it had happened. and then he came out with this what about— and then he came out with this what about is— and then he came out with this what about is him — and then he came out with this what about is him that saying it must've happened — about is him that saying it must've happened in the us as well. and interestingly there was an idea to exchange — interestingly there was an idea to exchange it alexei navalny and he was in _ exchange it alexei navalny and he was in support of it on the condition— was in support of it on the condition he never came back to russia, — condition he never came back to russia, but— condition he never came back to russia, but the exchange obviously did not— russia, but the exchange obviously did not happen because of the death of alexei _ did not happen because of the death of alexei navalny. what did not happen because of the death of alexei navalny.— of alexei navalny. what did he have to say about — of alexei navalny. what did he have to say about the _ of alexei navalny. what did he have to say about the protests _ of alexei navalny. what did he have to say about the protests we i of alexei navalny. what did he have to say about the protests we had i to say about the protests we had seen earlier today on sunday? he was cuite seen earlier today on sunday? he was quite dismissive _ seen earlier today on sunday? he was quite dismissive saying _ seen earlier today on sunday? he was quite dismissive saying any _ quite dismissive saying any initiative which brings people out to vote _ initiative which brings people out to vote can only be a good thing. this is— to vote can only be a good thing. this is showing how confident he feels _ this is showing how confident he feels after this vote where he has been _ feels after this vote where he has been able — feels after this vote where he has been able to achieve this enormous majority— been able to achieve this enormous majority through whatever means, legitimate or illegitimate. but he knows _ legitimate or illegitimate. but he knows now that he has no rivals at all and _ knows now that he has no rivals at all and he — knows now that he has no rivals at all and he is — knows now that he has no rivals at all and he is the only man on the russian — all and he is the only man on the russian political stage. something of a threat about _ russian political stage. something of a threat about those _ russian political stage. something of a threat about those who i russian political stage. something of a threat about those who had i of a threat about those who had spoiled their ballads. he was strong when he replied to that.— when he replied to that. he was s-ueakin when he replied to that. he was speaking not — when he replied to that. he was speaking not necessarily i when he replied to that. he was speaking not necessarily aboutl when he replied to that. he was i speaking not necessarily about those who had _ speaking not necessarily about those who had spoiled their ballots by taking _ who had spoiled their ballots by taking a — who had spoiled their ballots by taking a number of boxes of candles but those _ taking a number of boxes of candles but those who had poor diet or paint into ballot— but those who had poor diet or paint into ballot boxes doing what he described as disrupting democratic procedure. election authorities in russia _ procedure. election authorities in russia have warned that individuals found _ russia have warned that individuals found to _ russia have warned that individuals found to be guilty of that act can face up — found to be guilty of that act can face up to— found to be guilty of that act can face up to five years who jail so this is— face up to five years who jail so this is something the authorities are very— this is something the authorities are very keen to stress is going against — are very keen to stress is going against the democratic process they would _ against the democratic process they would like _ against the democratic process they would like to claim hasjust taken place _ would like to claim hasjust taken place in _ would like to claim hasjust taken place in russia. on would like to claim has “ust taken place in russia.i place in russia. on the sub'ect of democracy. i place in russia. on the sub'ect of democracy. he i place in russia. on the sub'ect of democracy, he was i place in russia. on the sub'ect of democracy, he was also i place in russia. on the subject of democracy, he was also asked i place in russia. on the subject of. democracy, he was also asked about the legitimacy, the freeness, transparency of the vote. something the whole world had been talking about as we had monitored these elections. what did he have to say about the election process and specifically about electronic voting? shes specifically about electronic votina? �* , specifically about electronic votina? r specifically about electronic votina? a voting? as he said, he spoke in particular— voting? as he said, he spoke in particular about _ voting? as he said, he spoke in particular about electronic i voting? as he said, he spoke in l particular about electronic voting. the screen — particular about electronic voting. the screen size by the opposition in the past _ the screen size by the opposition in the past when it was first introduced in other lower level elections _ introduced in other lower level elections. he claims it was fully transparent and fully objective and again— transparent and fully objective and again he _ transparent and fully objective and again he came out and criticised the election— again he came out and criticised the election process is elsewhere in the world _ election process is elsewhere in the world in— election process is elsewhere in the world in particular in the us. targeting _ world in particular in the us. targeting the postal voting system there _ targeting the postal voting system there so — targeting the postal voting system there. so i think this is really a very— there. so i think this is really a very expected in predictable message that president putin is going to of course _ that president putin is going to of course claimed that the electoral process— course claimed that the electoral process in— course claimed that the electoral process in his country is fully democratic when in the countries that are — democratic when in the countries that are going to and are have already— that are going to and are have already criticised russia for its election. — already criticised russia for its election, that they are not holding their elections to the same standards, and his opinion. let's standards, and his opinion. let's sta with standards, and his opinion. let's stay with us- _ standards, and his opinion. let's stay with us. plenty _ standards, and his opinion. let's stay with us. plenty more i standards, and his opinion. let's stay with us. plenty more to i stay with us. plenty more to discuss, but i will pause now and bring in a senior fellow with the atlantic council. let's speak to elisabeth braw, a senior fellow with the atlantic council's transatlantic security initiative. what do you make, of, no surprise, of the events of today and another six years of president putin? indeed, another six years and it is useful to think about how much has happened in the past six years. six years ago, russia was still relatively well respected internationally although, it had already annexed crimea, it was still seen as somewhat or mostly perfectible power the other countries could work with. today is the country that has its economy virtually excluded from the virtualised economy that shifts its goods otherwise around the world and unofficial vessels part of a shadow fleet meant as an extraordinary development over the past six years and really, a rare case where major country has deliberately taken steps to isolate itself from the global community. to isolate itself from the global community-— to isolate itself from the global communi . �*, , ., ., community. let's “ust stay on that theme. when — community. let'sjust stay on that theme. when you _ community. let'sjust stay on that theme. when you talk— community. let'sjust stay on that theme. when you talk about i community. let'sjust stay on that theme. when you talk about the l theme. when you talk about the global community, and yet, it has made a concerted effort to strengthen and seek out new friends around the world. who are they, apart from china, and he was asked about china in this press conference, you are the friends of putin right now, globally? that conference, you are the friends of putin right now, globally?- putin right now, globally? that is indeed correct. _ putin right now, globally? that is indeed correct. russia _ putin right now, globally? that is indeed correct. russia through i putin right now, globally? that is| indeed correct. russia through its actions has isolated itself from the global community that we think about now is g7, a body that used to have russia in it, no longer a part of that and no longer part of any friendly terms with the west. you said, it is very energetic in building a new coalition. the country as part of that are china first of all where russia is really the junior partner in first of all where russia is really thejunior partner in china is first of all where russia is really the junior partner in china is the senior. with the turnaround from the cold war where russia was the senior partner. countries in central asia, countries in the middle east and countries in the middle east and countries in the middle east and countries in southeast asia. we should remember a country like india is really a place, an interesting dual role with good relations with the west but also relatively good relations with russia. so what we are seeing is the return of a divided world. not as rigid as it was during the cold war, but it divided nevertheless.— was during the cold war, but it divided nevertheless. india holds an interestin: divided nevertheless. india holds an interesting spot _ divided nevertheless. india holds an interesting spot and _ divided nevertheless. india holds an interesting spot and it _ divided nevertheless. india holds an interesting spot and it could - divided nevertheless. india holds an interesting spot and it could be i interesting spot and it could be regarded as a neutral country. but working with russia as and when needed. that is certainly one way in which russia has been described when it comes to global partners. pragmatic and its decisions and it is all about the transaction. you've mentioned a couple of global partners there. one of the most important we have been hearing more about particularly when it comes to international news has been a global south partner and that is the continent of africa, but particularly, south africa. that goes back to the soviet era. what does south africa get from russia? it as you say, goes back to the cold war when the soviets treat their revolutionary assent and opposition activists of all kinds and that is something the soviets were good at and east germans as well. that sort of training has instilled what seems to be lifelong sympathy among the people who went through that training, whetherfrom south africa or other countries that had communist revolutionary period. so some people are now in charge have lost long —— lifelong sympathy for russians which then transports to russians which then transports to russia which you may say it makes no sense this is russia and they were trained by the soviets but it makes sense for them and that's what counts. i sense for them and that's what counts. . ., ., ~ counts. i will come to the middle east because _ counts. i will come to the middle east because there _ counts. i will come to the middle east because there are _ counts. i will come to the middle east because there are various . east because there are various regions in the world where russia, we can connect the dots when it comes to relations, butjust staying with the african continent. yes, we have the history, but how much of a threat are those african countries that no longer have trust in former colonial powers in being given a fairfight at the colonial powers in being given a fair fight at the table, right at the cake. is russia able to deliver that? because there is some anti—western sentiment in a lot of those countries? anti-western sentiment in a lot of those countries?— anti-western sentiment in a lot of those countries? there is and russia brinus those countries? there is and russia brin . s an those countries? there is and russia brings an attractive _ those countries? there is and russia brings an attractive offering. - those countries? there is and russia brings an attractive offering. at i brings an attractive offering. at least for now. we will see in 20 years' time, if they have worn out their welcome, the russians. but as attractive as that offering is now, the diplomatic support that comes with no conditions whereas western countries do place conditions. it also comes with, if one needs or wants, the services of the waggoner group and most recently, very interestingly, the russian orthodox church is expanding in various african countries on the heels of the wagner group. so there is the sub—saharan african countries are clearly an attractive destination for russia, diplomatically and otherwise in many countries there, many regimes there are willing to welcome russians because they ask fewer questions and bring what seems to be an attractive offering. let’s to be an attractive offering. let's turn our attention _ to be an attractive offering. let's turn our attention to _ to be an attractive offering. let's turn our attention to new- to be an attractive offering. let's turn our attention to new russia and the future of relations in the middle east. very interesting again, another country where they are dealing with each other, working with each other when it suits them. russia and turkey. obviously, when we put or throw syria into the mix, they actually were supported, almost on opposite sides, how does that work. then we have saudi arabia. russia, saudi arabia, the common denominator there is oil. they will work together as and when. let's put israel into the mix. what exactly is the dynamic when it comes to relations in the middle east with president putin? it is relations in the middle east with president putin?— president putin? it is so hard to fiaure president putin? it is so hard to figure out. _ president putin? it is so hard to figure out. i— president putin? it is so hard to figure out, i think _ president putin? it is so hard to figure out, i think we _ president putin? it is so hard to figure out, i think we would i president putin? it is so hard to | figure out, i think we would have president putin? it is so hard to i figure out, i think we would have to be inside the mind of president putin to understand how people keep all of the separate relationships, all of the separate relationships, all well—maintained spell medically and president of turkey is an extremely clever tactician and putin will need to be as or more clever because it is a number of competing relationships as you say. sometimes russia and turkey for example, are somewhat out late, sometimes they are in opposite sides. we should remember libya which is another really complicated scenario where both of russia and turkey are involved. the fundamental point here is if you do not have allies with whom you share fundamental values, then you have these occasional relationships. then you have to figure out each time, how to make it work so that this ally or this occasional friend work so that this ally or this occasionalfriend it work so that this ally or this occasional friend it does work so that this ally or this occasionalfriend it does not work so that this ally or this occasional friend it does not become a fellow. that is what putin has to deal now with russia. it does not have true friends, it has occasional partners and quite a few, but they are not friendships based on any shared values. it are not friendships based on any shared values.— shared values. it has been fascinating _ shared values. it has been fascinating from _ shared values. it has been fascinating from the i shared values. it has been l fascinating from the atlantic council, elizabeth, thank you very much for that. the other view you can see is that president putin on state television in moscow scots declaring himself the winner this evening. so a fifth term for him, inevitable, many people have said. the final day of voting did see large cues forming at polling stations. in moscow and across the world in an apparent show of dissent. alleys at the late opposition leader, alexei navalny, had called on people to come out on the day and moscow in either vote for other candidates or spoil their ballots. there were no protests chance a lot after threats from authorities that they would be arrested. rights monitoring group in russia said that there would be 70 people were detained. the widow of alexei navalny were among those queuing week hours. she was greeted with flowers and applause after casting her coach told voters that she'd actually written the name of her late husband on the ballot paper. in a message on x, she think everyone involved in the protest worldwide saying, it is not me, but you gave me hope that everything is not in vain. that we still fight. the russian election has also been condemned as a sham by the adversaries of president putin around the world. in his nightly address, president zelensky of ukraine said it was clear to the world that mr putin wanted to rule forever in that there was no evil he would not commit to stay in power. earlier i spoke to our correspondent earlier who said that most ukrainians will find productions of a landslide when from mr putin comical. i think people here willjust laugh at that, frankly. they will also say it underlines a difference these days between russia and ukraine which is a democracy versus a dictatorship. but of course, for ukraine this does have significance, even though people will be shrugging off the result to some extent. i think this does mean at least six more years of vladimir putin in the kremlin and that does mean more war in ukraine, more missiles, more drones, more violence from russia towards this country. so it is important. i think it has also been important in another way, in the sense that, of course, much of eastern and southern ukraine, or parts of eastern and southern ukraine, are occupied by russian forces and the election has been taking place in those territories. and russia wants that election, those people in that part of ukraine to show their support for vladimir putin. they want a big display, kind of display of support for russia, for putin, for the annexation which russia has announced in those regions. obviously that's the official picture. i think the true picture is completely different because we have been speaking to activists on the ground who said turnout in actual fact has been very low and that people are under extreme pressure to take part. but they have been resisting. they have been hiding their passports, even destroying their passports so that they don't have to vote for a president of a country they never wanted to be a part of. in the studio with me is francis carr, his speciality is russia. a fifth term, 71 years old, another six years. lots of reaction coming in from around the world. what was president putin reaction to the west? he what was president putin reaction to the west? ,., what was president putin reaction to the west? .. ., the west? he said the reaction cominu the west? he said the reaction coming from — the west? he said the reaction coming from the _ the west? he said the reaction coming from the west - the west? he said the reaction coming from the west was i the west? he said the reaction i coming from the west was highly predictable and he said, well, did you expect them to stand up and applaud me, of course not because they are fighting against us. of course putin is really pushing this narrative that russia is engaged in a major confrontation, notjust confrontation, but open war with the west rather than against ukraine. back home and rush in russia this not framed as an invasion of ukraine, it is framed as russia defending itself from a hostile west. i think what this really shows is russia or president putin showing that he does not care with the west thinks about his country and he is going to search for partners elsewhere as he has done since the full scale invasion two years ago and that he will be working on the basis of what he wants to do for his own country without any kind of a from elsewhere.— own country without any kind of a from elsewhere. ., ,, , ., , . from elsewhere. thank you very much for that. from elsewhere. thank you very much for that- you — from elsewhere. thank you very much for that. you can _ from elsewhere. thank you very much for that. you can find _ from elsewhere. thank you very much for that. you can find all— from elsewhere. thank you very much for that. you can find all of— from elsewhere. thank you very much for that. you can find all of the i for that. you can find all of the work of colleagues that have been following the story of the russian elections on our website. you can see there, the bbc life at page and the latest dispatch. you can catch up the latest dispatch. you can catch up on is that for the first time, president putin and should alexei navalny by name since his death. he wanted alexei navalny as part as a prisoner swap, allegedly. more on the website. hello. once this morning's cloud and rain moved away we started to see things warming up, especially as we got some sunshine coming through. temperatures widely iii, 15 degrees, made 17 degrees in the south, so warmer than it was yesterday. we are still in this mild air, as we head overnight and into monday. this weather system here eventually bringing some rain, but ahead of that we have two bands of cloud, with a little rain — not much on those at all. this second band of cloud heading eastwards will see the rain tending to die out in the night. clearer skies mean temperatures will be around five, six seven degrees, so that is cooler than last night. some early mist and fog in the south—east. you can see how that band of cloud and any rain dies out. lots of sunshine then following on behind, but in the west in the afternoon, the winds will pick up through the irish sea, northern ireland and western scotland, and we start to see that weather system bringing in some rain. but ahead of that, a decent looking day, with sunny spells around, still in mild air, temperatures widely 1a or 15, thanks to that southerly wind ahead of that weather front. that will bring rain from the atlantic, most for northern areas, and that will get swept northward with that low pressure centre overnight, so tending to dry off in the north—west on tuesday, and we are left with a band of cloud and patchy light rain heading south wards, followed by brighter skies, sunshine and few showers round as well. it is beginning to turn cooler across scotland and northern ireland on tuesday, still pretty mild in the south—east. in the south—west it could be rain later in the day. that may push its way north wards and into wednesday, affect wales, and perhaps scotland. still uncertainty on that rain, there is no wind to move things about. scotland and northern ireland looking generally dry, cooler air here perhaps, mild and generally dry in the south—east. now that band of rain will tend to fizzle out, because it is going to get swamped by the next weather system coming in from the atlantic to bring wetter weather for the northern half of the uk overnight. by thursday that may have cleared scotland and northern ireland, and we will see patchy lighter rain heading down in england and wales. it may turn cloudy and damp later in the day in northern ireland, but much of scotland enjoying some sunshine, and temperatures 12 to 14 celsius. live from london. this is bbc news. president putin says his victory in russia's presidential election shows the country was right to choose its current path, despite protests and international backlash. translation: the result. of the election signifies trust on the part of the country's citizens is and their hope that we will do just as we planned. germany's leader, olaf scholz, warns israel's prime minister about the �*terribly high costs' of the war in gaza. we cannot stand by and watch palestinians risk starvation. that's not us. that is not what we stand for together. hello, i'm lukwesa burak. in the last hour president putin has claimed a fifth term in what was an inevitable election landslide. exit polls say he had a record 88 % of the vote. speaking at his campaign headquarters, president vladimir putin said his win will allow russia to become stronger and more effective. he thanked the citizens who went to the polling stations,