Russian President Vladimir Putin says he does not want to be president for life.  Putin, who has come to more or less rule Russia by decree since he was first elected in 2000, says he expects to be president for another decade, “if” he runs again.

Being President for life “is not good and detrimental for the country, and I do not need it, as well,” Putin said.  He’s 62 years old now, and under Russia’s current constitution can run for another term in 2018.  Assuming that he does, he would remain president through 2024, when he will be 72 years old.

The Russian constitution allows for two consecutive terms.  Putin did that from 2000 to 2008, and was succeeded by his protege Dmitry Medved.  That allowed Putin to run for another turn at the presidency, the term of which was extended from four- to six-years, totally by coincidence.  There were widespread protests against a third term, but the fact remains that his approval rating has remained high.

Putin also says Moscow will not be isolated on the international scene, and dismisses the risk of US and European economic sanctions on the Russian economy of Western sanctions over the crisis in Ukraine.

“We will not go down this (Iron Curtain) path in any case and no one will build a wall around us.  That is impossible!” said Putin.  What has happened, though, is that the Ruble has lost about a third of its value with the sanctions.