Putin Moves a Step Closer to a 5th Term as President After Russia Sets 2024 Election Date

Lawmakers in Russia set the country’s 2024 presidential election for March 17, moving Vladimir Putin a step closer to a fifth term in office. Members of the Federation Council, Russia’s upper house of parliament, voted unanimously Thursday to approve a decree setting the date. “In essence, this decision marks the start of the election campaign,” Valentina Matviyenko, the chamber’s speaker, said. Mr. Putin, 71, hasn’t announced his intention to run again, but he is widely expected to do so soon now that election day is scheduled. Russia’s Central Election Commission plans to hold a meeting Friday on the presidential campaign....