Putin announced his candidacy in the upcoming election to seek another Presidential Term in Russia

According to reports from state media, Vladimir Putin has announced his candidacy in the upcoming presidential election, ensuring his continued reign in Russia for another six years.

Despite the negative consequences of his actions, such as the war in Ukraine and attacks within the country, Putin still enjoys widespread support after almost 25 years in power. 

According to Tass and RIA Novosti state news agencies, Putin's announcement to run for the March 17 presidential election was made during a Kremlin award ceremony.

According to the independent pollster Levada Center, approximately 80% of the population supports Putin's performance. However, it is unclear whether this support stems from genuine approval or from a fear of consequences due to his strict crackdown on any form of opposition.

Regardless of the reasons for this support, it is expected that Putin will face minimal competition on the ballot.

At 71 years old, Putin has utilized his influence to amend the constitution twice, allowing him the possibility of staying in power until his mid-80s. He currently holds the record for being the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. 

In 2008, he stepped down as president due to term limits but continued to wield significant influence in Russia. Later, presidential terms were extended to six years from four, and he successfully pushed through amendments that reset the term count for two consecutive terms to start in 2024.

According to political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin, he seems unwilling to relinquish power. Oreshkin remarked, "He is afraid to give up power." This sentiment was echoed by a decline in Putin's approval ratings, which dropped to around 60% during the time when the amendments allowing for two more terms were introduced.

Some analysts speculate that Putin's fear of losing power could have been a key factor in the conflict with Ukraine that erupted in February 2022. Commentator Abbas Gallyamov, a former speechwriter for Putin now residing in Israel, suggested that the conflict served as a means for Putin to consolidate his power, acting as a unifying force for the country.