The United States on Monday denounced Russia’s election as “undemocratic” and said it will not congratulate President Vladimir Putin, who was declared winner by a sweeping margin.
Asked about Putin’s reelection, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel responded sarcastically, “I was on the edge of my seat. It was such a nail-biter.”
“This was an incredibly undemocratic process,” Patel told reporters.
Asked if the United States was withholding recognition of the result, as urged by some dissidents, Patel said, “I think it is safe to say that there certainly won’t be congratulatory calls coming from the United States of America.”