Not so fast. Russia's prime minister isn't sure he wants to participate in debates.

For a brief moment on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, Russians could look forward to a political debate between the leaders of the country's top political parties, including—for the first time in his public career—Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, representing the ruling party, United Russia.

Just hours after the news agency LifeNews reported Medvedev's plans, however, the prime minister's official press secretary announced that he hasn't yet made up his mind. In 2008, when he ran for president, and in 2011, when he headed United Russia's party ticket, Medvedev declined to step up to the debate podium and throw down with rival candidates.