DID ANYONE BUT THE MOST RABID RUSSOPHOBES THINK HE'D RUN?:

I will not seek third term, says Putin (Associated Press, April 26, 2007, Guardian Unlimited)

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, today said he would not seek a third term in power. [...]

Mr Putin's second - and constitutionally final - term in office ends next year, and some observers have suggested he could attempt to amend the constitution to remain in office.

Last month, the head of the upper house of parliament proposed making such a change.

However, Mr Putin has consistently dismissed the idea, and today said the next state of the nation address "will be given by another head of state".