Dec 10. Vladimir Putin has named his successor.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has thrown his support behind first vice PM Dmitry Medvedev as presidential nominee, Vesti television channel announced. News agencies wired that at a meeting with the President Medvedev's candidature was endorsed by four political parties (United Russia, the Agrarian Party, Civil Force and Fair Russia). 'We would like to propose to you a candidate whom we all support. This is first vice PM Dmitry Anatolievich Medvedev' – Boris Gryzlov, leader of United Russia faction, said at a meeting among the President and the leaders of four political parties. In response, Putin noted that 'as for the nomination of Dmitry Anatolievich Medvedev, I've been a close friend of his for more than 17 years and he has my full support'.