With his approval ratings topping 80% and rivals trailing far behind, Mr Putin is set to easily win a fourth term. Here is a quick look at the Russian presidential candidates. Mr Putin continued calling the shots during the next four years as his longtime associate Dmitry Medvedev served as Russia’s president. The daughter of Mr Putin’s one-time patron, the late reformist mayor of St Petersburg, she has assailed the Kremlin’s policies but largely avoided personal criticism of Mr Putin. He has been openly critical of Russia’s current political and economic system, but avoided criticising Mr Putin.

Source: Irish Independent February 08, 2018 13:52 UTC