MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his intention to run for president again in the 2024 election, extending his rule until at least 2030. Speaking to soldiers who fought in the Ukraine war, Putin confirmed his decision, stating that there was no other way. The announcement came after Putin awarded these veterans with Russia’s highest military honor, the Hero of Russia gold star.
Putin, who has already served as president longer than any other ruler of Russia since Josef Stalin, took on the presidency on the last day of 1999, succeeding Boris Yeltsin. This move will allow him to further solidify his power and maintain control for the foreseeable future.
During the announcement, Artyom Zhoga, a lieutenant colonel and Ukraine native fighting for Russia, asked Putin to run again. Putin responded by stating, I will run for the post of president, in front of a backdrop of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
Zhoga expressed his support for Putin’s decision, stating that all of Russia would stand behind him. This sentiment aligns with independent polling that shows Putin enjoys approval ratings above 80%. However, critics argue that the election is merely a facade of democracy and that Putin’s control over the media and crackdown on dissent limit genuine opposition.
While Putin is expected to have no real competition in the election, he faces numerous challenges both domestically and internationally. The war in Ukraine has strained relations with the West, and economic sanctions have hit Russia hard. Additionally, Putin recently dealt with a failed mutiny by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a prominent mercenary. Despite these challenges, Putin’s control over the country and his firm grip on power remain unshaken.
Putin presents the war in Ukraine as part of a larger struggle against the United States, claiming it aims to dismantle Russia and acquire its resources. While the conflict has caused significant loss of life and territory, with Russia still controlling a portion of Ukrainian territory, Putin maintains his position of strength.
As the announcement of Putin’s candidacy sets the stage for his continued rule, opposition figures and journalists express concern and fear about the state of Russia under his leadership. Opposition politician Alexei Navalny argues that Putin’s system of corruption will ultimately lead to chaos, not stability. Others hope for an end to the conflict in Ukraine and a return to peace.
Despite the challenges and criticisms Putin faces, his decision to run for president again reinforces his dominance in Russian politics. With little opposition and widespread support, Putin’s hold on power remains unyielding.
