European Commission President Mr Juncker chose to pen a letter congratulating the Russian leader on his landslide win, expressing hopes for future cooperation as part of a “pan-European security order”.
The enthusiastic message was branded “shameful”, “disgraceful” and “nauseating” by senior Tories in light of the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury.
In stark contrast to the Commission boss, European Council President Donald Tusk chose to distance himself from the Russian leader today.
Asked if his silence over Mr Putin’s victory meant he held the Russian President and Kremlin directly responsible for what happened in the UK, Mr Tusk said: “After the Salisbury attack, I’m not in the mood to celebrate President Putin’s reappointment.”
Vladimir Putin was re-elected for a record fourth term following a vote on Sunday.
His landslide victory came amid allegations of election rigging and malpractice, including the stuffing of ballot boxes and bribing of voters to boost turnout.
Mr Putin won 76 percent of the vote with his closest rival receiving less than 12 percent.
Both the European Union’s institutions and its member states were quick to express their solidarity and support for the UK following the nerve agent attack on March 4.
British investigators say Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia were deliberately targeted using a military-grade chemical weapon produced in Russia.
Moscow has continually denied any involvement and gone as far as blaming Britain for falsifying evidence to implicate the Kremlin.
But despite the unanimous backing of the UK’s EU allies, Mr Juncker’s gushing letter ended by wishing Mr Putin “every success in carrying out your high responsibilities”.
The European Commission President has received very little in the way of support Brussels but his comments were echoed by President Donald Trump.
The commander-in-chief phoned Mr Putin last night to congratulate him on his victory, against the advice of his national security advisors.
US media reports also claim Mr Trump did not raise the subject of the nerve agent attack.
President Trump justified his actions via Twitter this evening, blaming the “fake news media” for attempting to force him into criticising the Russian leader.
He Tweeted: “They are wrong! Getting along with Russia (and others) is a good thing, not a bad thing.
“They can help solve problems with North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, ISIS, Iran and even the coming Arms Race. Bush tried to get along, but didn’t have the “smarts.” Obama and Clinton tried, but didn’t have the energy or chemistry (remember RESET). PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!”