Russian President Vladimir Putin made an announcement on Friday that he plans to run for re-election in 2024, potentially extending his rule into the 2030s. The 71-year-old leader has been in power since the early 2000s, winning four presidential elections and briefly serving as prime minister. The announcement was made at a Kremlin event for army personnel, some of whom had fought in the military offensive in Ukraine. Putin’s decision to run for re-election came after a Russian military officer urged him to do so, stating that Russia needs him as president. Analysts believe that Putin is unlikely to face any major challengers in the election and will seek a large mandate to conceal domestic discord over the Ukraine conflict.