Do you think it’s some sort of bug or mistake on their part, or that they’re actively trying to sanction Russia? What’s your opinion on this?
Putin was elected to begin with. He does have support, and to paint it otherwise is to be disingenuous.
Does he do terrible things? Yes! But he still has support.
Oh so you mean in 1999 when Yelstin stepped down 4 months into his term or do you mean in 2004? Or when he was Prime Minister acting as a president? Or are you taking about in 2018 during his 3rd term (you could only serve two at the time)?
There is also the fact that he signed an amendment allowing more than two terms in 2021.
But yes, he was actually elected in 2004.