RTRS-Putin To Run For Re-Election In 2024: Six Sources

Reuters reporting that according to six unnamed sources, President Vladimir Putin is set to run for re-election in 2024. The story does not come as a surprise, given Putin's tight grip on the upper echelons of the Russian political system. Barring any major shift in Russian politics, Putin will win re-election. The opposition remains heavily suppressed, while domestic media outlets disseminate only pro-gov't views.

• Reuters: "The decision has been made - he will run," said one of the sources who has knowledge of planning. A choreographed hint is due to come within a few weeks, another source said, confirming a Kommersantnewspaper report last month. Another source, also acquainted with the Kremlin's thinking, confirmed that a decision had been made and that Putin's advisers were preparing for Putin's participation. Three other sources said the decision had been made: Putin will run."
• As we noted previously, under the constitution Putin can run for a six-year term in 2024 and then another in 2030, setting him up to remain in power until 2036 (at the earliest).
• Reuters' sources implied that the ongoing war in Ukraine, rather than posing a threat to Putin's rule could in fact help keep him in power in spite of the significant human and financial cost of the invasion: "Russia is facing the combined might of the West so major change would not be expedient," one of the sources said."