Putin to Convene Security Council Meeting on His 74th Birthday

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting of the country's Security Council on October 7, the Kremlin confirmed, the same day he marks his 74th birthday.

The Kremlin did not detail the specific agenda items planned for the session, though the Security Council regularly reviews matters of national defense, foreign policy and internal security under Putin's chairmanship.

Putin was born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg. He has led Russia, either as president or prime minister, for more than two decades.

Birthdays for the Russian leader have in past years been marked with limited public fanfare from the Kremlin itself, even as state media and officials offer congratulatory messages. Scheduling an official Security Council meeting on the date underscores that Putin's public schedule continues largely unchanged on the occasion.

The Security Council, a body that advises the president on security and defense matters, includes senior officials such as the prime minister, the heads of the security services, and senior ministers. Putin has used the forum throughout his tenure to coordinate policy on issues ranging from military matters to domestic governance.

Further details on the substance of Monday's meeting had not been released at the time of the announcement.