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Russia is holding a presidential vote in the occupied regions of Ukraine to try to legitimize its rule there, expose dissenters and present a veneer of democracy.

The election of the center-right politician fills a role that is responsible for foreign policy in an era of rising wariness of neighboring Russia.

The party of Imran Khan, the jailed former prime minister, took the most seats, humiliating the country’s military rulers and creating a political crisis.

The military had cracked down on the party of the former prime minister in favor of another former leader, Nawaz Sharif. But Mr. Sharif’s party was lagging as results trickled in.

The Italian prime minister helped persuade the Hungarian leader, Viktor Orban, to go along with a landmark fund for Ukraine. It was a big moment for Europe. And for her.

Long lines have popped up in Russia and beyond to get Boris B. Nadezhdin, an antiwar candidate, onto the ballot for Russia’s presidential election in March.