Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to remain in power until 2030, as he is poised to contest the 2024 election, according to Reuters. Putin believes that he can navigate the country through the hazardous conditions prevailing in the current decade, the report said, citing sources.

Putin is the longest-serving Russian president after Joseph Stalin, having ruled the country since 1999, shortly after Boris Yeltsin left office. He has surpassed Leonid Brezhnev”s 18-year record. Sources revealed that the president”s advisers have started campaigning for Putin.

According to opinion polls, Putin has an 80% chance of re-election, and with this support, he is assured of victory even before the election competition is complete.

“The decision has been made – he will run,” Reuters reported, quoting one of the sources. Acknowledging the developments, another source said that advisers were making sure of Putin”s victory. According to the source, the official announcement will be made soon.

The election is being held as Russia continues its war against neighboring Ukraine, a situation that has created havoc similar to what former Kremlin Chief Mikhail Gorbachev faced when he assumed office while the Soviet Union was splitting up into different states.

The Ukraine war has triggered Western sanctions against Russia, which have had an unprecedented impact on the country”s economy. Putin, who is 71 years old, has reportedly been experiencing serious health problems, although the Kremlin has denied these reports as mere rumors.