Russia is set to cement President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power until at least 2030 as the country will start voting on March 15, Monday. Any opposition figures who could have challenged President Putin are either in prison or exiled abroad. Independent media outlets that could show criticism of his policies have been blocked. And the Kremlin maintains rigid control over the political system and electoral process in the country of 146 million. Still, the Russian election will be closely watched by those looking for insight into the major nuclear power as it continues its 2-year-old full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Russia is set to cement President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power until at least 2030 as the country will start voting on March 15, Monday. Any opposition figures who could have challenged President Putin are either in prison or exiled abroad. Independent media outlets that could show criticism of his policies have been blocked. And the Kremlin maintains rigid control over the political system and electoral process in the country of 146 million. Still, the Russian election will be closely watched by those looking for insight into the major nuclear power as it continues its 2-year-old full-scale invasion of Ukraine.