The constitution now requires Putin to step down as president then but he could take on another post to ensure his continued influence.

Axar.az reports citing Luxtimes that President Vladimir Putin replaced his long-serving prime minister and called for sweeping constitutional changes, fuelling speculation that the Russian leader is moving to extend his grip on power beyond the end of his term in 2024.

The constitution now requires Putin to step down as president then but he could take on another post to ensure his continued influence. Putin hasn't commented on his plans and his proposals didn't include any overhauls that would have created a new post for him. But the shifts could reduce the sweeping powers currently held by the president, potentially reining in any successor while making other bodies more influential.