Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his intent to run for another term as president, during an awards ceremony for soldiers participating in the Russian special military operation in Ukraine.

As confirmed by Sputnik, Putin revealed his plans to the chairman of the Donetsk People's Republic's People's Council parliament, Artyom Zhoga, and commander of the 80th Separate Reconnaissance Guards Battalion Sparta.

The elections are due to be held this coming March 2024 and are expected to include three days of voting, on March 15, 16 and 17.

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A representative of 'United Russia', Russia's ruling party, voiced "unconditional support" for Putin's announcement and expressed that the party would do its utmost to make sure he comes out a winner. 

Just earlier, the 'A Just Russia' party announced intentions to nominate Putin as its candidate.

Putin till 2030?

Meanwhile, the Communist Party, whose candidate since 2000 has always come in second behind Putin, stated that it will announce its candidate by December 23.

Putin has been Russia's president for a total of four terms: from 2000-2008, and from 2012-present, and served as prime minister between 2008 and 2012 while current deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev was president.

If Putin wins next year, he will remain in his position until 2030, as a result of six-year term limits that went into effect in 2012.

Leading Russian state-affiliated public opinion institutions show via poll results the overwhelming public support for Putin. A survey by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) found that 70% of Russians want him as president again while 15% believe he shouldn't stay in his position but remain in the country's leadership in some form.

This week, a poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) revealed that 78% of Russia plans to participate in voting next year. 

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