PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, March 14. /TASS/. Russia is facing serious challenges in all spheres and it will take nationwide consolidation to cope with them, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a video address ahead of the presidential election.

"I am sure that you understand what a difficult period our country is living through, what serious challenges are facing us in practically all spheres. And to continue addressing them, overcoming difficulties, we must be consolidated and self-confident," he stressed.

The Russian Federation Council, or upper house of parliament, officially designated March 17, 2024 as the day of the presidential election. The Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) then announced that voting will take place over three days on March 15-17.