(VOVWORLD) -Vladimir Putin will lead Russia for another six years, after securing a landslide victory with 76% of the vote in Sunday's presidential election.
 Vladimir Putin is reelected as Russian President
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There was a marked increase in his share of the vote. In 2012 he won just 64%. The high rate of support reflects people’s expectation that Putin will steer Russia past economic and diplomatic challenges.
Russia under Putin’s presidential terms
Since Putin was first elected President in 2000, Russia has regained its position as a world power. He annexed Crimea in 2014, steered Russia through various diplomatic challenges and Western sanctions, launched an anti-terrorism campaign in Syria, restored Russia’s military strength, and elevated Russia’s influence in strategic regions in the Middle East and East Asia.
Under Putin’s administration, Russia has returned to the geo-political game and established a public-private economy to help Russia survive the financial crisis of 2008 and Western economic sanctions. Russia’s GDP has doubled in the past decade. Salaries and pensions have increased. The infrastructure has been upgraded.
A number of challenges
Despite these achievements, Russia has to deal with deep-rooted socio-economic problems. The economy grew 1.5% in 2017 after a loss of 0.2% in 2016, but the growth was less than the global average rate of 3%. Russia depends on selling petroleum. About 20 million Russians, 14% of the population, is living below the poverty line.
In his annual address to the Federal Assembly of Russia in March, Putin said key development factors are the well-being of the people and the prosperity of Russian families. They are the keys to a real breakthrough and improved quality of life.
Combating corruption will require a special effort of President Putin’s administration. Russia was ranked among the 45 countries with the highest perception of corruption by Transparency International.
Russia’s investment environment has not been attractive. Petroleum price hikes provided momentum for the economy during Putin’s first two terms. When energy prices plunged, Russia’s economy was staggered. In his annual address, President Putin spoke of the need to develop a technology-based economy with smart tech and artificial intelligence. He called for the formation of a creative environment for all Russians otherwise the future will slip out of their hands.
Putin begins his 4th presidential term at a moment when Russia’s relations with the US and European countries are tense. The latest cause of tension was the poisoning of a Russian ex-spy in Britain.
During Putin’s 3 presidential terms, Russia has drawn economic sanctions for annexing Crimea. Russia’s military intervention in the Syria conflict and an accusation of Russian interference in the 2016 US Presidential election have pushed Russia-US relations to the lowest level since the Cold War. Russia has prepared for security challenges by reinforcing a modern army and developing advanced equipment.