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Here's today's free edition. This is the World in Brief from The Economist.

Our top stories.

Vladimir Putin announced he will seek another six-year term as Russia's president

ahead of elections set to take place next May.

His bid for re-election was widely expected.

In 2020 he changed Russia's constitution to allow him to rule until 2036.

Mr Putin, who has led Russia since 1999 is a shoe in for victory.

He has quashed all credible opposition. America vetoed a

UN Security Council resolution that would have called for an immediate ceasefire

in Gaza and a release of all hostages.

All other members voted for the resolution except Britain which abstained.

Earlier Anthony Blincken, America's Secretary of State, said there was a gap between Israel's

intent to protect civilians in Gaza and what it has been doing on the ground.

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a prisoner exchange and to take steps towards normalizing relations,

marking significant progress towards ending a long conflict

between the countries.

Tension flared in September when Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh, an enclave that was mainly occupied

...