Putin Hints at New Russia Presidential Bid

Putin did not commit himself, but hinted that he is thinking of coming back in 2012 when President Dmitry Medvedev's current term expires. Photo by ukrainians.ca

Russian PM Vladimir Putin has given the clearest indication yet that he might run again for the Russian presidency.

Putin did not commit himself, but hinted that he is thinking of coming back in 2012 when President Dmitry Medvedev's current term expires.

The two leaders would not compete, but Putin said: "We'll reach an agreement."

He was speaking in Moscow to the so-called Valdai Club of foreign academics and journalists.

The club holds a series of briefings with senior Russian politicians every year, the BBC reported.

Putin tried to downplay any suggestion of rivalry, insisting that whatever happened would be as the result of a deal which they came to jointly.

"Did we compete against each other in 2007 [before the last presidential election]?... No, we didn't. And so we won't in 2012 either. We'll reach an agreement," he said.