MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday said that his forces had the upper hand on Ukraine after they took over the control of towns and villages in the east of the country.
He made the remarks in a televised speech after election results showed he was headed for another six-year term.
Putin said his achievement belongs entirely to the Russian armed forces, who are just tearing the enemy.
He added that said law enforcement would take action against people who tried to spoil their ballots in the presidential election.
Putin in an address after claiming victory in the elections said people who spoiled their votes have to face the law.
The opposition had asked Russians to stage protest, which according to Putin said had no effect.
Navalny death a sad event
Russian President said that the death of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny was a sad event, and that he was ready to free him in a prisoner exchange.
Putin using his name in public for the first time in years said death of Navalny is a sad event.
He went on to say a few days before Mr. Navalny dies, some colleagues told him that there was an idea to exchange him for some people who are in prison in Western nations.
He warned that his country would not be intimidated. He noted that no one has ever succeeded in intimidating the Russian nation.
Vladimir Putin said his victory in Russian presidential elections showed Russians has trust in his leadership. He tanked all the Russian citizens for reposing trust in his leadership.
Putin with more than 80 percent of voting stations having submitted results, had secured 87.2 percent of all votes cast, a record victory in a presidential election.
The Kremlin had termed the election as a moment for Russians to throw their weight behind the full-scale military offensive in Ukraine.
Ukraine and its allies have slammed the voting process which was also held in parts of Ukraine under Russian forces control.
Former Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev has congratulated Putin on his victory long before the final results were to be announced.
