Moscow - Vladimir Putin pulled tight the shuddering lines of Russia's fledgling post-Soviet federalism when he took office in 1999 creating the so-called "power vertical," a part feudal, part bure
Moscow - When Dmitry Medvedev takes the oath as Russia's third democratically elected president on May 7, the fabled "land of the Bear" will for the first time be run by a "Bear Man."
Moscow - The Kremlin's image-makers manoeuvring through the hectic run-up to Wednesday's transition of power have ensured that Russia's two leaders are viewed as an indivisible winning team.
Moscow - Vladimir Putin is swapping the presidency for the prime minister's post when he steps down Wednesday to leave room for his hand picked successor-elect, Dmitry Medvedev.
