GETTY Vladimir Putin earlier this year

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The Russian president - a former KGB agent who prides himself on his physical fitness - is considering standing down in 2017 because of "certain circumstances". Political analyst Valery Solovey, a professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs, gave the vague prediction that Mr Putin would quietly slip out of the public limelight in the next 12 months. The Kremlin expert hinted that ongoing medical complaints may be behind the shock move.

Asked if the president had health problems, he responded: "Let me not say more, I have said enough. “Let me stress once again: this information is not absolutely reliable. Still, it should be considered.” Mr Solovey added: “As you see, this hypothetical situation is very nervy from the point of view of Russian policy.”

Vladimir Putin in pictures Tue, December 13, 2016 Russin President Vladimir Putin in pictures Play slideshow 1 of 56