Though the date was already widely known, this is the first time an electoral official has confirmed the timing of the elections slated to give President Vladimir Putin his fourth term.
Citing three sources close the Kremlin, the RBC outlet reported earlier this year that Putin would likely run as an independent in an effort to capitalize on his widespread public support.
Opposition leader and presidential hopeful Alexei Navalny, who drew large crowds to campaign events in Russia’s provinces this weekend, is technically barred from running because of criminal convictions which his supporters say are politically motivated.