Russian president Vladimir Putin, is set to declare his intention to run in the presidential elections scheduled for March, 2024.
During an awards ceremony for army personnel at the Kremlin, Putin conveyed his decision to Lieutenant Colonel Artyom Zhoga, a Russian military officer, as per state-run news agencies.
While Zhoga was cited by state-run news agency RIA Novosti affirming Putin’s candidacy, stating, “The president has said that he will run for president of the Russian Federation,” Putin himself has not yet made a formal announcement regarding his participation in the upcoming elections slated to occur from March 15 to 17 next year.
“Our president has never avoided and does not avoid responsible decisions,” said Valentina Matvienko, the head of Russia’s upper house of parliament.
“And today he has once again confirmed this. He confirmed that at the moment of a historic choice and a historic challenge,” she added.
According to analysts, Putin is not expected to encounter significant opponents and is likely aiming to secure a substantial mandate to mask internal unrest concerning the Ukraine conflict.