Sen. John McCain John Sidney McCainMomentum growing among Republicans for Supreme Court vote before Election Day McConnell urges GOP senators to 'keep your powder dry' on Supreme Court vacancy McSally says current Senate should vote on Trump nominee MORE (R-Ariz.) on Sunday ripped Russian President Vladimir Putin and called it "inspiring" to watch the Russian people stand up for their rights.

"Inspiring to watch the Russian people stand up for their rights despite the odds. #Putin’s dictatorship can run a sham election, but it can’t silence the Russian people. #RussiaWillBeFree," McCain tweeted.

Inspiring to watch the Russian people stand up for their rights despite the odds. #Putin’s dictatorship can run a sham election, but it can’t silence the Russian people. #RussiaWillBeFree https://t.co/OfGavJIOxA — John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) January 28, 2018

Protesters took to the streets Sunday in Russia ahead of the presidential election in March.

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The protests were organized as part of an effort to encourage Russians to boycott the country's presidential election. Russia's Central Election Commission last year voted to stop opposition leader Alexei Navalny from running against Putin, sparking anger from opponents of the country's current president.

The commission cited a conviction in a fraud case for the decision to prevent Navalny from running.

Navalny was arrested Sunday when he was on his way to a protest in Moscow.

McCain on Sunday also called for the Kremlin to "immediately release" the opposition leader, along with those arrested during the recent demonstrations.

"Putin seeking 'reelection' like the dictator he is," McCain tweeted.