Russia’s Future: Putin Announces Presidential Run, Aiming for 2030 Extension
Amid Putin’s reelection bid, occupied Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson will also participate in the polls
Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially declared his candidacy for the 2024 elections, aiming for his fifth presidential term, which could extend his rule until 2030.
The announcement, made after a ceremony at the Kremlin, indicates Putin’s determination to maintain a strong grip on power, either as the head of state or prime minister, until at least 2030.
The upcoming elections on March 17, 2024, will not only mark Putin’s bid for continued leadership but also the participation of residents in the occupied Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
These areas, annexed by Russia during the conflict, will be part of the presidential elections for the first time, despite previous condemnations of Russian-backed officials organizing local elections in these regions.
Having held power for over two decades, Putin’s political journey began in 1999 when he became acting prime minister, eventually being handed the presidency by Boris Yeltsin.
After serving two consecutive four-year terms, Putin stepped aside in 2008, endorsing Dmitry Medvedev as president while taking on the role of prime minister.
However, he returned to the presidency in 2012 and, with changes to the law in 2021, could potentially extend his rule until 2036. At 71, Putin’s quest for prolonged political influence extends well into his mid-80s, marking a potential third decade in power.
