ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, June 4 — During a Thursday gathering with top news agency editors in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin avoided giving a direct response when asked about his intentions to remain in office through 2036, stating the topic was premature and noting that only divine providence could determine his health and longevity.
When Reuters posed the question about whether he would continue serving until 2036 and if he possessed the physical capacity for such extended leadership, Putin responded:
“Only God knows if we have enough health — for me, for you, and for everyone gathered here, in order to live until tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and even more so to solve some of the tasks we face, to achieve the goals that we set for ourselves.”
The Russian leader, who has held power in various capacities since 1999 as either president or prime minister, acknowledged that constitutional provisions would permit him to seek reelection in 2030 and potentially serve another full term extending to 2036.
“Indeed, the Constitution allows me to run in 2030, but I think it’s too early to talk about it. To be honest, it’s very early. I’m not even thinking about it right now. I’m being completely honest. I don’t even think about it,” Putin stated.
“The country faces a lot of large-scale and pressing issues. They need to be solved without thinking about it, but thinking about the future of Russia.”
