European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election.
In a letter to the Russian president Juncker said he had always argued that "positive relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation are crucial to the security of our continent."
"I hope that you will use your fourth term in office to pursue this goal. I will always be a partner in this endeavour. I wish you every success in carrying out your high responsibilities. Yours sincerely, Jean-Claude Juncker," the Independent cited the letter as saying.
Putin won 76.7% of the vote with turnout of over 67% of the vote.
