Putin will soon decide whether to run for re-election or not

Putin will decide whether to run for Russian president in 2018 in the near future.

Putin at an event with young people on December 6. Photo: AFP.

At an event for young people in Moscow on December 6, a presenter asked Mr. Putin whether he would run for re-election in March 2018, according to Reuters.

Russian President Putin, who usually has an approval rating of around 80%, asked the audience if they would support him if he ran for re-election. “Yes,” the audience shouted and applauded.

"I understand that this decision has to be made in the near future and I will announce it soon," Mr Putin told the audience.

"And when I make a decision, I will of course keep in mind our conversation today and your response," he added.

Mr Putin, 65, has held power as either president or prime minister of Russia since 2000. If he runs for re-election and wins a fourth term in March 2018, he will hold the post until 2024.

According to VNE