Mr Medvedev, 54, also said that his entire cabinet was stepping down. His televised announcement, which came as a surprise, was made shortly after Mr Putin, 67, had called for a national referendum on constitutional amendments that could make it easier for him to rule for life. Mr Putin, who has now ruled Russia for 20 years, is due to step down as president at the end of his final term of office in 2024. Few analysts expect him to relinquish power, however. Among the scenarios being discussed are Mr Putin shifting to the role…

Source: The Times January 15, 2020 12:00 UTC