Russia should address 'violations' in presidential polls: European Union

As president Putin was re-elected after winning the polls by a landslide, the European Union(EU) said Russia should investigate the "violations and shortcomings".

EU's latest salvo on Russia came even as France and Germany reached out to the Russian leader after he won the polls handsomely.

"We expect Russia to address the violations and shortcomings reported by the OSCE/ODIHR EOM (observers), as they run against Russia's OSCE commitments and other international obligations," the EU said in a statement.

However, the principal members of EU - France and Germany - sent out congratulatory messages to Putin with President Macron wishing Putin on his success and his efforts to "modernise" Russia.

Macron though urged Russia to address the "unacceptable" assassination attempt on ex-spy in Britain.

"The president offered Russia and the Russian people, in the name of France, his wishes for success in the political, democratic, economic and social modernisation of the country," a statement from Macron's office said.

"He stressed his commitment to a constructive dialogue between Russia, France and Europe," the statement added.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said the German leader will congratulate Putin, but the message will also raise "challenges" in their relations.

"Nevertheless, the continuous contact with Russia's leadership is very important to us," the spokesman added.

German foreign minister Heiko Maast was more direct asserting that Russia will remain a "difficult partner", adding, "It was "unacceptable" that the election also took place in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine four years ago in breach of international law."