Moscow, December 8: Vladimir Putin has moved to prolong his repressive and unyielding grip on Russia for another six years. State media say he has announced his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election -- which he is all but certain to win. Russian President Vladimir Putin Praises India Says, โ€˜PM Narendra Modi Cannot Be Intimidated or Forced To Take Actions Contrary to Indian Interestsโ€™ (Watch Video)

Putin still commands wide support after nearly a quarter-century in power, despite starting an immensely costly war in Ukraine that has taken thousands of his countrymen's lives, provoked repeated attacks inside Russia -โ€“ including one on the Kremlin itself -โ€“ and corroded its aura of invincibility. Russian President Vladimir Putin Praises PM Narendra Modiโ€™s โ€˜Make in Indiaโ€™ Initiative; Says Itโ€™s the โ€˜Right Thingโ€™ To Do

A short-lived rebellion in June by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin raised widespread speculation that Putin could be losing his grip, but he emerged from it with no permanent scars.