It gives a whole new meaning to the expression "job sharing". Russian president Vladimir Putin has taken office, a role he held until 2008. After two terms, the country's constitution obliged him to step down and Dmitry Medvedev was elected in his place. But now, Putin has taken back the top job, while Medvedev has taken Putin's interim role of Prime Minister. Muscovites have protested at this perceived attempt to hold on to power forever and the lack of a strong opposition to fight back.
Russia’s lower house of parliament confirmed former president Dmitry Medvedev (pictured) to replace Vladimir Putin as prime minister on Tuesday, completing a job swap between the two leaders that has sparked protests against their grip on power.
Vladimir Putin, who was officially sworn in for a third term as president of Russia on Monday after four years of serving as the country’s prime minister, has nominated his predecessor Dmitry Medvedev to replace him as prime minister.
Vladimir Putin was sworn in as Russia's president in a glittering Kremlin ceremony on Monday, starting a historic third six-year mandate, despite opposition protests sparked by allegations of electoral fraud.
At least 250 people were arrested after clashes erupted Sunday at a rally in Moscow protesting against the start of Vladimir Putin's third six-year term as president on Monday. Key Russian opposition leaders were among those detained.
As the West and Russia work towards possible consensus on the deployment of UN observers to Syria, François Picard's panel discusses what the international community should and can do about a standoff that has already lasted a year, cost 10,000 lives and left tens of thousands displaced.
As Vladimir Putin wins a third term in the Kremlin, Vladimir Chizhov reacts to allegations of electoral fraud. He also turns down the EU's call for change of leadership in Syria, and discusses Russia's policies towards Belarus and Ukraine.
Thousands of anti-Putin protesters took to the streets of Moscow on Saturday, but the turnout was far lower than that seen at recent rallies against the Russian president. A handful of marchers including leftist leader Sergei Udaltsov were arrested.
Vladimir Putin on Wednesday suggested a cabinet seat for his tycoon rival Mikhail Prokorov (pictured), who came in a surprising third when he ran as an independent candidate in last Sunday's presidential polls.
Russian opposition leaders on Tuesday vowed to hold more protests against Vladimir Putin, following a presidential election that international observers claim was skewed. Police said they released hundreds of protesters detained in Monday’s marches.
