MOSCOW — A presidential bid by a celebrity Russian TV host drew conflicting reactions from the country’s beleaguered opposition Thursday, with some accusing her of playing into the Kremlin’s hands and others welcoming her move. The 35-year-old Sobchak announced her intention to run in the March 18 presidential election Wednesday, saying the country has grown tired of stagnation and needs a political change. On Thursday, the Russian leader again dodged questions about his intention to run while speaking at a forum of foreign policy experts in Sochi. But before she made the announcement, Navalny warned Sobchak on YouTube that she would only serve the Kremlin’s goals by running for president. Unlike her pushy TV persona, she sought to sound calm and compromising while declaring her bid.

Source: National Post October 19, 2017 13:59 UTC