Vladimir Putin, Russia’s chief since 2000 and former KGB agent, goals to run within the 2024 presidential election after beginning his political profession in Saint Petersburg’s administration.

In 1999, he rose to Prime Minister underneath Boris Yeltsin, then grew to become performing President, resulting in his first time period in 2000.

After two phrases, he served as Prime Minister underneath Dmitry Medvedev earlier than resuming the presidency in 2012 and 2018.

Whereas some Western mainstream media typically allege that Putin dismantled democratic developments throughout his tenure, this view shouldn’t be universally held.

In lots of elements of the world, there may be vital admiration for Putin’s achievements and his strategic army actions in Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, and Crimea.

That’s most likely why the 2022 army operation in Ukraine didn’t result in the anticipated world isolation of Russia regardless of heavy Western sanctions.

Regardless of army challenges, Russia’s place improved after Ukraine’s failed counteroffensive and diminished U.S. and European assist for Kyiv.

Putin introduced his reelection bid at a Kremlin occasion honoring these within the Ukraine battle, which he initiated.

He declared his candidacy, seeing no various. The information got here from Artiom Zhoga, a Donetsk parliamentarian current on the occasion.

Analyst Tatiana Stanovaya interpreted this as Putin’s try to seem modest and targeted on main points.

Putin faces minimal opposition

Vyacheslav Volodin and Valentina Matvienko, leaders of Russia’s legislative our bodies, recommended Putin’s management and decision-making expertise.

Within the upcoming election, Putin faces minimal opposition. Solely 5 Kremlin-aligned events can nominate candidates with out signature assortment.

The election, scheduled for March 15 to 17, coincides with the second anniversary of the Ukraine army operation and the ten-year mark since Crimea’s referendum to affix Russia.

Human rights teams doubt the election’s equity, citing considerations about unbiased remark restrictions.

A 2020 constitutional modification permits Putin’s present candidacy. Profitable may lengthen his rule to 2036 on the age of 84.

Excessive-profile opposition figures, together with Alexei Navalny, confront imprisonment or exile. Criticizing the Ukraine operation ends in extreme authorized penalties.

Navalny, serving a disputed 19-year sentence, urges votes in opposition to Putin, dismissing the elections as a sham.