Russian President Putin Hints That He May Not Run In The Next Russian Presidential Election

Russian President Vladimir Putin, shown here at the commemoration of a Russian chapel in Vrsic, Slovenia. REUTERS/SRDJAN ZIVULOVIC

IBTimes: Putin Won't Run For A Fourth Term? Russian President Hints That Russia Could See New Leader After 2018

Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted this week that he won't run for a fourth term in 2018, but it's unclear if he would actually give up control to a new leader or continue to rule Russia from another role as he has done in the past. Putin's remarks Tuesday came during a trade meeting involving the possible Kazan World Championship, an aquatic sports event, according to Russian news agency RIA Novosti.

"The event we are talking about should take place in 2019. The presidential elections in Russia will be held in 2018. But I'm sure whoever is the head of the Russian state will be happy to take part in these events," Putin said.

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WNU Editor: He is also hinting on who the next Russian President should be .... Vladimir Putin wants ‘young, mature’ heir (The Australian/The Times). But as to the question .... will he run in the next Presidential election .... I have been hearing talk for the past month that he may not seek another term. Many of his closest friends and allies have left public office in the past year, and it appears that he is "cleaning out house" to make it easier for his successor to rule .... Another Billionaire Incurs Putin's Wrath (Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg). But will he actually step down .... I do not see that happening now. But I do believe that should he run in the next election, it will also be his last.