00:00 It's Benzinga and here's what's on the block.
00:03 Russian President Vladimir Putin won Russia's presidential election with 87% of the vote,
00:06 securing a fifth term in power according to exit polls.
00:09 Turnout in the election was reported to be a record-breaking 77%, although the vote was
00:13 criticized as neither free nor fair by Western nations.
00:16 Putin addressed the sad death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny for the first time in
00:20 years following the presidential election.
00:22 Navalny's supporters had called for a protest vote against Putin or spoiling ballots in
00:26 light of Navalny's death in prison last month.
00:28 Putin defended strengthening Russia against those who want to intimidate or suppress the
00:31 country.
00:32 Putin is now set to rule until 2030, surpassing Stalin as Russia's longest-serving modern
00:36 leader.
00:37 For all things money, visit Benzinga.com.
00:39 (upbeat music)
