Putin announces bid for another presidential term in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday plans to seek another presidential term, according to state media. 

"I won't hide it from you – I had various thoughts about it over time, but now, you're right, it's necessary to make a decision," Putin said in a video released by the Kremlin, according to CBS News. "I will run for president of the Russian Federation."

State media reports that Putin is almost certain he will win another six year term.

The election will take place next March.

Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said following his announcement: “Putin’s statement about his candidacy is based on the interests of the country and its citizens.” 

If he wins, the 71-year-old Putin's rule would exceed over two decades. 

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny urged Russians on his website to vote for any candidate other than Putin, according to The Moscow Times. 

“For Putin, this election is a referendum on the approval of his actions. A referendum on the approval of war. Let us thwart his plans,” Navalny wrote.