RUSSIAN lawmakers today set the date of the 2024 presidential election for March 17, moving Vladimir Putin closer to a fifth term in office.

Mr Putin hasn’t yet announced his intention to run again, but he is widely expected to do so.

Under constitutional reforms, orchestrated by him, he is eligible to seek two more six-year terms after his current one expires next year.

The “special military operation” in Ukraine appears to have boosted Mr Putin’s already high approval ratings, according to independent pollsters.

The March election clears the way for him to remain in power at least until 2030.

This comes as Russia is accused by United Nations officials of worsening humanitarian conditions in Ukraine by attacking the war-torn country’s energy facilities.

Assistant secretary-general Miroslav Jenca told the UN security council that Russia’s continuing daily attacks on Ukraine’s critical civilian infrastructure have resulted in civilian casualties and Moscow recently escalated its barrages in populated areas including the capital, Kiev.

“All attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop immediately,” he said. “They are prohibited under international humanitarian law and are simply unacceptable.”

UN humanitarian co-ordinator Ramesh Rajasingham told the council that “the deaths, injuries and level of destruction of vital civilian infrastructure is staggering.”