Just over a year ago Vladimir Putin sprang a surprise on his country: Dmitry Medvedev, a former lawyer and confidant of his, was his preferred choice of successor as Russia's president. Optimists rejoiced, as a young, marketwise and non-KGB man offered some hope of a thaw. Pessimists predicted that, at best, Mr Medvedev would play a nominal role, with Mr Putin retaining real power. So far the pessimists have won. Nobody, in Russia or the West, doubts that Mr Putin, who is now prime minister, is still the boss.
展开▼
