Title: Putin to Run in 2024 Presidential Election, Extending Rule Until 2030
Moscow, November 6 (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin has decided to run in the upcoming March 2024 presidential election, with the move expected to keep him in power until at least 2030, according to information gathered from six anonymous sources close to the Kremlin. These sources revealed that Putin considers himself essential in steering Russia through its most challenging period in decades.
Putin’s decision to run for office comes after successfully defusing an armed mutiny by the leader of the Wagner mercenary group in June. He subsequently focused on consolidating his support among key bases, including the security forces, armed forces, and regional voters outside of Moscow. Concurrently, Putin has increased defense, weapons, and overall budget spending while making numerous public appearances nationwide.
“The decision has been made – he will run,” said one source knowledgeable about the planning. Another source, well-acquainted with the Kremlin’s thinking, confirmed the decision and stated that preparations for Putin’s participation were already underway. Three additional sources also confirmed that Putin’s decision to run in the 2024 presidential election had been finalized.
While the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin had not yet commented on the issue, diplomatic circles have long speculated that Putin might stay in power for life. Putin, a former KGB spy, enjoys approval ratings of about 80% and has the backing of the state and state-owned media. Furthermore, there is almost no mainstream public opposition to his continuous rule, leading diplomats to believe there is no serious rival that could threaten his chances at the ballot box.
However, Putin faces a series of significant challenges that surpass those faced by any Russian leader since Mikhail Gorbachev’s attempts to address the crumbling Soviet Union more than three decades ago. The ongoing war in Ukraine has sparked a major confrontation with the West, resulting in severe Western sanctions that have inflicted a massive external shock on the Russian economy.
Economic consequences, such as accelerated inflation and a falling ruble, have troubled the nation since the war’s outbreak. Furthermore, defense spending is projected to account for nearly one-third of Russia’s total budget expenditure in 2024, according to government plans.
Despite these challenges, Putin’s most significant direct threat to his rule occurred in June when Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russia’s most powerful mercenary, led a short-lived mutiny. Prigozhin perished in a plane crash precisely two months after the mutiny, allowing Putin to utilize the Defense Ministry and the National Guard to tighten control over remaining Wagner forces.
While the West has branded Putin as a war criminal and dictator, accusing him of leading Russia into an imperial-style land grab that weakens the nation, Putin frames the conflict as part of a broader struggle against the United States. According to the Kremlin elite, this struggle aims to divide Russia, seize its vast natural resources, and then exact revenge on China.
“The combined might of the West poses a significant challenge to Russia, making major change impractical,” commented one of the anonymous sources.
Nevertheless, for some Russians, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the frailties within post-Soviet Russia. Imprisoned opposition politician Alexei Navalny asserts that Putin’s leadership has steered Russia toward ruin, constructing a system of corrupt sycophants that will ultimately sow chaos rather than stability.
“Russia is going backwards,” warned Oleg Orlov, a prominent human rights campaigner in Russia, during an interview with Reuters in July. “We left Communist totalitarianism but have now returned to a different kind of totalitarianism.”
With Putin’s decision to run in the 2024 presidential election, Russia can expect his continued leadership as the nation navigates through its most challenging period in recent history.
Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Jon Boyle