Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated President Putin over the phone.

He said China's ties with Russia are at their best in history. And he's willing to work with Putin to promote their partnership to a higher level. The leaders of Kazakhstan, Belarus, Venezuela, Bolivia and Cuba are among those who sent their best wishes. But so far few Western leaders have made any comment. Germany's new Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the election can't be called "fair" and that Russia will remain a difficult partner.