File photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin. /CFP
The United Russia (UR) party congress on Sunday unanimously supported Vladimir Putin's candidacy for Russian presidential elections, Russian media outlets reported.
Putin, the incumbent Russian president, announced on December 8 that he will seek another six-year term in next presidential elections scheduled on March 17, 2024.
Speaking at the party congress on Sunday, Putin said that Russia will either be a self-sufficient sovereign power or it will not exist at all.
He added that authority and public trust are based on the clear and patriotic position of the UR.
"Together with the people of Russia we must defend the sovereignty of the country, strengthen its development and work for the consolidation of society," Putin was quoted as saying by Russian media.