Russia's Putin remains secretive about his future role

Russian President Vladimir Putin remained tight-lipped about his future role Wednesday as he fast-tracks a set of constitutional changes widely seen as an attempt to maintain his dominance over the nation's political scene after his current term ends in 2024.

Asked at a meeting with students if Russia could follow the example of Kazakhstan, where a longtime president stepped down last year but continued calling the shots by assuming another prominent position, Putin shrugged off the idea as unfit for Russia.

"The emergence of a position above the presidency would mean a dual power, which is absolutely unacceptable for a country like Russia," Putin said.

"It would erode the presidency."