Putin Announces Candidacy for 2024 Presidential Elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections in 2024, according to the Russian news agency TASS.

Russia announced on Thursday that it has set March 17 as the date for the presidential elections, widely expected to see Putin secure another term in office after more than two decades in power, effectively silencing any opposition.

The Federation Council, the upper chamber of Russia's parliament, unanimously approved the election date in a televised session.

Valentina Matviyenko, the Chairwoman of the Federation Council, stated that this decision practically marks the start of election campaigns.

Putin's ability to remain in power beyond the previously imposed term limits was made possible by constitutional reforms passed in 2020, allowing him to potentially serve as president until 2036.

Matviyenko emphasized that the citizens and society are more united than ever in their confidence in Putin's leadership, asserting that the state's mission is to live up to this trust and prevent any provocations.

Andrey Turchak, Secretary of the ruling United Russia party, emphasized the primary task today as ensuring maximum support for their leader, Vladimir Putin.

These elections come just three weeks after the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, which prompted the West to impose severe sanctions on Moscow.

Additionally, they coincide with the tenth anniversary of Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea.

Despite Putin's isolation from Western leaders following the Ukraine invasion, recent weeks have seen him appear more confident, as Western support for Ukraine wanes, and Kyiv's counteroffensive fails to alter the balance on the ground.

Furthermore, Russia's economy has demonstrated resilience in the face of sanctions, rebounding with renewed growth as Russia redirects its energy exports towards Asia.

After his initial two presidential terms, Putin stepped down in 2008 but returned as prime minister under his protege Dmitry Medvedev before regaining the presidency in 2012.