Putin to run as independent in 2018 presidential race

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday stated that he will run in the 2018 presidential election as an independent candidate while hoping for support from the political 'forces sharing his views on the country's development.'

"This will be a self-nomination. I expect to have support of those political forces (parties and public organizations) that share my view on the country's development and trust me. I certainly expect this very much," the Russian news agency TASS reported Putin as saying at his 13th annual news conference.

"I expect a widespread support of the Russian citizens," the President added.

Putin won the 2012 presidential election as a candidate from the United Russia party.

Russia's forthcoming election is due on March 18, 2018.

The 2017 press conference is Putin's 13th since he first became president in 2000. He traditionally responds to a broad range of questions on topics ranging from the economy and international relations to light queries about his personal tastes.

According to the reports, in December 2016, Putin answered 50 questions in an event that lasted three hours and 53 minutes. His longest appearance was four hours and 39 minutes in 2008.