Putin on the 12/02 to Duma

MIKHAIL METZEL/AFP/Getty Images

Vladimir Putin can't run for president of Russia again (the constitution bars a third consecutive term), but he just announced that he'll lead United Russia's parliamentary list for the upcoming elections, which begin December 2. United Russia is the most popular party in the country, and Putin will be guaranteed a spot in the Duma if his party wins, as is widely expected.

He also said today that the rumors of him becoming a future prime minister are "realistic."

Other recent FP items of interest on Putin and his mysterious succession plans:

• Dmitri Trenin: What you need to know about Putin's power play
• The List: The Next President of Russia 
• Seven Questions: A Little KGB Training Goes a Long Way