Putin Confirms 2024 Presidential Run

Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed his intention to run for another six-year term in the 2024 presidential election, bringing him closer to surpassing Joseph Stalin as the longest-serving Russian leader. The announcement was made by a Russian military officer, who stated that Putin agreed to run on behalf of soldiers fighting in Ukraine. The low-key announcement is seen as an attempt to portray Putin as modest and focused on real affairs amid the invasion of Ukraine. Putin's long tenure in power, along with recent constitutional changes, suggests that he may not leave office in the foreseeable future. His re-election in March is assured due to Russia's highly-controlled election system.