Breaking away from the ruling United Russia (UR) party, Putin's decision solidifies his dominance in Russian politics, as he seeks to extend his tenure for another six-year term. The state-backed RIA news agency has confirmed that Putin will run as an independent candidate, despite having the complete support of the UR party.

Sergei Mironov, a senior politician from the Just Russia party and a supporter of Putin, also stated that Putin will campaign as an independent candidate. According to RIA, efforts are underway to gather signatures in support of Putin's candidacy. With minimal opposition, Putin enjoys an overwhelming level of support from both the state and state-run media outlets.

Putin's announcement comes as no surprise, as he has been in power for over two decades, serving as either president or prime minister. It is widely expected that he will emerge victorious in the 2024 elections, continuing his dominance on the Russian political landscape.

One of the key issues that remains pivotal for Putin's supporters is his handling of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin refers to it as a "special military operation" and his supporters believe that it is justified. They argue that under Putin's leadership, Russia has regained its order, national pride, and global influence that was lost during the tumultuous collapse of the Soviet Union.

Meanwhile, concerns surrounding the disappearance of prominent Putin critic Alexey Navalny continue to mount. Navalny, who is a well-known opposition leader, has not been seen since December 6. The Kremlin has stated that it has no information regarding Navalny's whereabouts, as prison authorities have relocated him from the IK-6 facility. However, no details about his new location have been disclosed.

As the 2024 presidential elections draw closer, the focus remains on Putin's bid as an independent candidate and the lack of strong opposition against him. With his extensive experience and widespread support, it appears that Putin's re-election is merely formalities away.