France condemns vote in Ukraine's regions occupied by Russia

People attend a protest against the re-election of incumbent President Vladimir Putin on the final day of the presidential election in Russia, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at Place du Trocadero, in Paris, France, March 17, 2024. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - France said on Monday the re-election of Russian President Vladimir Putin took place amid repression, and it praised the many Russians who had peacefully protested against the election.

France also condemned "so-called elections" held in Ukrainian regions temporarily occupied by Russia as "a new breach of international law and of the United Nations Charter", the foreign ministry said in a statement.