Russian President Vladimir Putin says it is too early for him, or anyone else, to plan for the country's 2018 presidential election.
Speraking close to the end of a three-hour, 20-minute press conference, Putin said his decision on whether to seek a fourth presidetial term would depend on the situation in Russia and on the results of the work of the Kremlin, the government, and the authorities in general.
It was a standard, evasive answer to a question that is often asked of Putin, who was first elected president in 2000.
But by saying it was too early for anyone to plan for the vote, he suggested that others, both in government and outside, should focus on improving Russia and not on their own political careers.