Putin Once More Moves to Assume Russia’s Top Job
BY ELLEN BARRY and MICHAEL SCHWIRTZ, New York Times

Following months of speculation, Russian President Dmitri Medvedev announced that he would step aside for Vladimir Putin, thereby allowing Putin to return to power. Putin, who served from 2000 to 2008, was constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third consecutive term. Many felt Medvedev was simply a placeholder for Putin, who is almost assured of winning re-election. Nevertheless, Putin will face tough decisions in the next few years, as oil production will level off and the rise in the Russian standard of living will slow.