Russian media report that incumbent President Vladimir Putin is projected to clinch a resounding victory in the presidential election. He is expected to use his fifth term to pursue his current political ambitions, including the invasion of Ukraine.

Ballot counting is underway after three days of voting in the election ended on Sunday.

Local media reported on Sunday that an exit poll by the government-affiliated Russian Public Opinion Research Center, or VCIOM, shows that Putin is predicted to win the election with 87 percent of the vote.

The Russian Central Election Commission also announced that Putin gained 87.68 percent of the vote after about 30 percent of the ballots cast were counted.

Putin faced some social disturbance in 2022 following a partial mobilization of reservists to help continue the invasion of Ukraine, which he calls a "special military operation."

But he is believed to have gained support with his pledge to stabilize Russian society by safeguarding the country from what he describes as war waged by Western nations.

The Putin administration also intensified its crackdown on anti-government figures in the run-up to the election, with candidacy denied to a former lower house lawmaker who is critical of the invasion. Western nations and human rights groups criticized the vote as unfair.

Putin assumed his first presidency in 2000. He has been in power ever since, including his years as prime minister.

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.

Analysts say Putin will trumpet the election victory to claim an overwhelming mandate for his policy agenda, including the invasion and the confrontational approach toward Western nations.