Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced on Sunday via a Russian news agency that he won't be remaining as the ruler of his country during his entire lifetime pressing that he will be stepping down from his post in accordance with the Constitution.

Sixty-two-year-old Putin has led the country ever since the year 2000 and he pressed that he is currently deciding if he would still run as the president in the upcoming elections set on 2018. However, he noted that it would still depend on the situation of Russia as well as his "own mood".

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He also added that he would leave his position in line with the Constitution noting that he should step down before 2024. He noted that if he would rule the country beyond the said year, it would be harmful for the country and that he does not need that to happen.

Putin also pressed during the interview that his efforts both for his country and in the international scene are trying to weaken his ruling.

Putin also talked about the sanctions of the Western countries against Russia noting that both businesses and individuals in his country are being punished due to the alleged attacks over Ukraine and in helping the pro-Russian separatists.

He added that the sanctions were due to the desire of countries abroad to split the elite and the society. However, Putin pressed that amid what is happening in their country, the Russians continue to support him. In contrast to this, he said that not everyone backs him up but said he was fine with it as long as their criticisms were constructive.

During the interview, Putin also talked about the Russian laws restricting the funding of non-governmental organizations as well as the foreign ownership of media organizations to prevent the interests of other countries that could possibly affect the Russian politics.

Back in 2000, Putin has led the country but stepped down after two terms, with four years each, so as to abide with the term limits. However, he was still in power as he became the prime minister then was elected again back in 2012 for a six-year-term. 

TagsRussian, politics, presidency, ruling, term, constitution