The natural reaction to Vladimir Putin’s recent election as president of Russia would be, “He’s back” — but for the fact that he never actually gave up the presidency, even though he deeded the position four years ago to Dmitry Medvedev.

Putin, who had served as president for two four-year terms and then was appointed prime minister in 2008 by Medvedev, has always held the reins of power. Indeed, he hand-picked his successor and made sure that the policies he had put in place were maintained. While Medvedev won the post in an election, Putin retained ultimate power.

Thus, his return March 4 through an election that independent observers, including Western monitors, have said was fraught with irregularities puts an end to the farce. Indeed, Putin could be president for the next 12 years.

The citizens of the Russian Federation, along with the United States and other nations committed to the spread of democracy, have reason to be concerned.

The United States and other Western countries should urge the United Nations to investigate the complaints of voting irregularities and of physical force and intimidation against Putin’s critics.

— The Vindicator,

Youngstown, Ohio, March 10