See why Russian president Vladimir Putin maybe forced to step down as president

Vladimir Putin is considering quitting as Russian President, a Kremlin expert has claimed. The 64-year-old may stand down due to 'certain circumstances' that mean he will need to be out of the spotlight next year, it is suggested.

Russian political analyst Valery Solovey hinted that Putin, who welcomed the election of Donald Trump as US President, may be forced to step aside due to illness.

Mr Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs, said the president might need to 'avoid publicity in 2017 for several months or will appear very rarely'.

He stated: 'As you see, this hypothetical situation is very nervy from the point of view of Russian policy.'

He was asked if Putin had 'health problems' he answered cryptically: 'Let me not say more, I have said enough.

'And let me stress once again: this information is not absolutely reliable. Still, it should be considered.'
The president might need to avoid publicity in 2017 for several months or will appear very rarely.
Valery Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs

The explosive story appeared on major Kremlin-friendly news website Moskovsky Komsomolets (MK) and was then deleted within hours.

However, Mr Solovey insisted on social media that all he had said was true.

'Before the end of the year, the respected audience will get confirmation of everything mentioned in the much talked-about interview.'

The report hinted at health problems but also said that the strongman could stand aside to allow a successor to take charge who had better relations with the West.

The story appeared under the headline: 'Thunderstorm 2017: maybe Putin will be replaced by a successor in several months'.

Two names were mentioned as potential replacements in the 'censored' article: current premier Dmitry Medvedev, who has already served a four year term as president ending in 2012; and Alexei Dyumin, 44, ex-Putin bodyguard and former deputy defence minister, who is seen as being groomed for a top role.

It hinted at a bitter power struggle involving Putin's influential security apparatchiks who oppose Medvedev.

Mr Solovey, who is seen as having an inside track at the Kremlin, said early presidential elections are being considered for 2017, up to a year ahead of the end of Putin's current six year term.

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