Russia has confirmed that the country's next presidential election will take place on March 17 next year.

The upper house of parliament made the decision on Thursday, prompting speculation that President Vladimir Putin will soon declare his candidacy for a fifth term.

Russia's Central Election Commission is to discuss a proposal by parliament to hold the voting over three days.

The commission will also decide how to conduct what Russia says are elections in parts of Ukraine that Moscow has unilaterally declared as annexed.

Putin is yet to clarify whether he will run in the election. He has said he will communicate his plans after the voting date has been decided.

The Russian leader is scheduled to hold his annual press conference and field questions from the public on December 14.

The ruling United Russia party, which supports the Putin administration, plans to hold a meeting on December 17.