Putin says he’s ‘not going anywhere yet’ after being asked about future as Russian president

'Why are you in such a hurry?' former KGB chief asks audience member

Vladimir Putin's comments will cast doubt over whether he will resign in 2024

(EPA)

Vladimir Putin has said he is “not going anywhere yet” after being asked what Russia will look like after his presidential term expires in six years time.

Addressing an audience at the Russia Calling Investment Forum in Moscow on Wednesday, the 66-year-old told the questioner: “Why are you in such a hurry? I’m not going anywhere yet.”

The former KGB chief’s comments may raise doubts over whether he intends to step down in 2024, after initially insisting he would, following his landslide election victory in March – one dogged by voter fraud accusations.

“I have always strictly abided by and abide by the constitution of the Russian Federation,” he told reporters earlier this year.

“In the constitution it’s clearly written that nobody can serve more than two terms in a row ... I intend to abide by this rule.”

Even if he was to step down in 2024, Mr Putin would not necessarily relinquish power.

He stepped down as president in 2008 having served two successive terms, but returned in 2012 having served as prime minister in the interim. He could legally do the same again.

According to RBC, Mr Putin told the business forum Russia now feels “confident and self-sufficient” and is ready to cooperate with other countries, including the US, to solve common problems.

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He also touted national infrastructure projects in the country.

“These are large-scale, very ambitious tasks. If we confidently follow the path of their solution, the country will change, change for the better,” he said.