Russian President Vladimir Putin will run for another term in the upcoming presidential election as an independent candidate with broad support, according to two senior pro-Kremlin lawmakers. Despite having the full backing of the ruling United Russia (UR) party, Putin has chosen to run independently. The election, set for March, is widely expected to be a formality, with Putin enjoying strong state support and minimal public dissent. The move to run as an independent comes amid a years-long crackdown on critics and opponents, with restrictive laws curbing dissent and opposition voices.