Putin announces presidential run as a new candidate

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Saturday that he will run once again for president, but on an independent ticket.

Putin has been either president or prime minister for more than two decades, and he is expected to easily win re-election again.

He decided not to run under the United Russia (UR) party even though it completely supports him and he helped form it.

More than 700 politicians and figures from the sporting and cultural worlds have formed a group to endorse Putin.

He is actually benefitting from the war with Ukraine, which the Russian people seem to support.

The public seems to think that the war is restoring the reputation and importance of Russia, according to reports.