Putin has dominated Russian politics for 18 years and his act will be a tough one to follow for the country's next leader, no matter how capable or cunning.
Putin has nurtured an image as the man who brought the country from crisis after the humiliating collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and a chaotic transition to a market economy.
In his first years as president, he presided over strong economic growth, with Russia's economy buoyed by high global oil prices. His autocratic leadership style also plays well with a segment of the electorate; his re-election slogan is, "A strong president, a strong Russia." Speaking to voters earlier this month, he expressed regret over the demise of the Soviet Union.