In Russia, voting has commenced for a presidential election expected to secure Vladimir Putin his fifth term as leader. This three-day event, criticized for its perceived lack of genuine competition, is set against a backdrop of tight control by the Kremlin, with all parties and candidates heavily vetted. Observers, including Samuel Greene from King’s College London, have raised questions about the democratic legitimacy of the election process, noting the absence of meaningful alternatives for voters. The election coincides with Russia facing international scrutiny, particularly regarding its actions in Ukraine and the recent death of prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny.

In the UK, the Welsh Labour Party has concluded voting for its next leader, with Jeremy Miles and Vaughan Gething as the main contenders to replace Mark Drakeford. The winner, who will assume the role of First Minister of Wales, is set to be announced Saturday. The election, pivotal for Labour’s leadership within the Senedd, has been marked by controversies including challenges over union endorsements and voting rules. Nevertheless, the election’s outcome will significantly influence Wales’s political direction, with the new leader becoming the fifth since the Senedd’s establishment in 1999.

Additionally, the BBC has released a new documentary series, “On Thin Ice: Putin V Greenpeace,” exploring the 2013 incident involving Greenpeace activists detained in Russia. The series examines the dramatic events, the role of Sir Paul McCartney in advocating for the activists’ release, and provides insights into environmental activism’s impact on global politics.

These events underscore the complex interplay of leadership, politics, and environmental activism on the international stage, reflecting broader themes of power, democracy, and environmental responsibility.