Russian Vote Outcome Certain, Future Uncertain Maria and her husband, Aleksandr, are confident that President Vladimir V. Putin will win a fifth term in the upcoming Russian presidential election. However, they are uncertain about what will follow. Concerns include fears of a new mobilization for soldiers to fight in Ukraine and unease over financial stability and potential economic changes. The worries reflect a general mood of uncertainty in Russia, where many have learned to hope for the best but expect the worst. The outcome of the election is not in question, but Russians are preoccupied with the potential consequences. Businesses are worried about potential tax increases and higher labor costs, while anti-Kremlin activists fear a new crackdown on dissent. Despite these concerns, some analysts doubt that Putin will significantly escalate efforts to suppress opposition.