Vladimir Putin has decided to run in March’s presidential election that would extend his rule until at least 2030 because the Kremlin leader believes he must lead Russia in these difficult times, six sources said to Reuters. Putin, who has been in power since 1999, has already outlived the terms of previous Russian leaders, including Joseph Stalin and Leonid Brezhnev, reports Reuters.
Sources, who asked to remain anonymous, told Reuters that news of Putin’s decision to run in March’s presidential election had spread and advisers were preparing for his campaign and victory. According to opinion polls,
Putin has an 80% approval rating in Russia and victory is basically guaranteed.
With the support from state, state media and almost no dissatisfaction from the public, he is certain to win, according to Reuters.
Although not yet confirmed by his office, according to sources, the decision has been taken and the Russian leader is expected to make a public statement “soon”.
Reacting to the Reuters report, Peskov said on Monday that Putin had not yet announced his candidacy. “The campaign itself has not yet been officially announced either,” Peskov said, Politico writes, citing a report by Russia’s state news agency TASS.
Although Putin is likely to have few rivals in the upcoming presidential elections, as president he will face serious challenges given that the West considers him a war criminal and dictator.
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