Putin announces bid for fifth term as Russian president

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his intention to run for a fifth term in office, with the presidential election set for 15-17 March 2024. Putin's re-election is widely expected, given the lack of opposition and control over Russian media. If successful, he would remain as president until at least 2030, having already been in power longer than any ruler since Josef Stalin. Putin made his announcement during an awards ceremony for Ukraine war veterans, in response to a request from a former pro-Russian separatist leader.