Putin drops hints about likely successor

MOSCOW, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun dropping names of people he considers likely to be his successor after next March's federal election.

Speaking to about 40 political academics and journalists last week at the presidential retreat in Sochi, Putin first offered three names as people he considered qualified for the post, the Moscow Times reported Monday.

They included newly appointed Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov, Yabloko party leader Grigory Yavlinsky and Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov.

Only after some prodding, did Putin also mention First Deputy Prime Ministers Sergei Ivanov and Dmitry Medvedev.

Putin surprised political observers last week by bypassing Ivanov in appointing an interim prime minister in the run-up to the elections, opting instead for Zubkov.

Media speculation was immediate that Zubkov could announce before March he would himself run for president to replace Putin, who must step down because of term limitations.

Putin was cagey about his position on the possibility, the report said.

"Zubkov said he did not rule out running. I think that was a calm and balanced answer," Putin said.