Putin On Way Out

Let’s hope so.

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday made his clearest rejection yet of speculation that he would try to seek a third term, but gave no hint in his state of the nation address as to whom he sees as his preferred successor.

Putin’s second term in office ends in 2008, and he is constitutionally barred from running for a third. While many observers have suggested he would try to stay in office, Putin has consistently dismissed the idea and did so again Thursday.

“The next state of the nation address will be given by another head of state,” he said.

He is likely to remain a puppet-master of some sort if Russia isn’t careful.