Incumbent Russian leader Vladimir Putin has declared himself the victor in the country's presidential election.

Putin spoke to supporters at his election headquarters after early results showed he was certain to win.

He said he wanted to thank all Russians who came out to vote, claiming the country is one united family.

He also said the result of the election would allow Russia to become stronger.

The Central Election Commission says Putin gained over 87 percent of the vote after about 70 percent of the ballots cast were counted. The president was up against three opponents.

But there was no real competition as candidates critical of Russia's invasion of Ukraine were barred from running. Western nations and human rights groups criticized the vote as unfair.

A win in the election will give the 71-year-old leader a fifth term as president. His new stint will last six years until 2030. He is expected to pursue his current political ambitions, including the invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Russia's election.

Zelenskyy said there was no legitimacy in what he called an imitation of an election, saying Putin is afraid of justice.

Zelenskyy added that Putin should be on trial in the international criminal court.