Occupy Abai!

By Dan Peleschuk

Russia Profile

The worldwide “Occupy” movement has finally arrived in Moscow. As President Vladimir Putin settles into office, anti-Kremlin demonstrators are implementing new tactics to test the limits of their protests and the authorities’ tolerance. So far, they’ve succeeded – a central Moscow park has turned into a makeshift campsite and the new home base for the opposition movement. But how long will it last?

Third Term, Second Wind

By Andrew Roth

Russia Profile

In the span of one day, Moscow went from the brutality of violent, massive street clashes between young, mostly male protesters and riot police to the pomp and circumstance of Vladimir Putin’s inauguration, held in the gilded Kremlin State Palace.

Putin Returns to Kremlin Amid Protests

By Mark Bennetts

RIA Novosti

Vladimir Putin was sworn in as Russian president on Monday in a glittering Kremlin ceremony that took place less than 24 hours after protesters opposed to his rule had battled police in downtown Moscow. “I swear on the power invested in me as president of the Russian Federation to respect and protect the rights and freedom of its citizens,” Putin said, his right hand placed on a red-bound copy of the Russian Constitution. Russia’s nuclear suitcase was handed over to Putin immediately after his inauguration.

Russian Police Break Up Anti-Putin Protest

By Alexey Eremenko and Mark Bennetts

RIA Novosti

Police cracked down hard on an anti-Putin rally in Moscow on Sunday, clubbing demonstrators and making scores of arrests after hundreds of people briefly broke through their lines in a bid to take their protest to the Kremlin walls. “Fascists!” "Russia without Putin!" shouted protesters as they advanced once more on police lines, holding metal crowd barriers to shield themselves. The violence came on the eve of Vladimir Putin's inauguration as president. Putin secured a third term in the Kremlin at disputed elections in March.

Dmitry Medvedev: End of a Presidency

By Mark Bennetts

RIA Novosti

President for a single term and a lame duck head of state since the fall, Dmitry Medvedev steps down on May 7 after four years in the Kremlin. But how will he be remembered at home and abroad and what, if any, is the legacy of the man who was both Vladimir Putin’s handpicked successor and predecessor?

All Good Things

By Andrew Roth

Russia Profile

With Vladimir Putin’s return to the Kremlin this week, many of Russia’s top rights defenders are abandoning its Council on Human Rights. The last meeting of the council under Dmitry Medvedev was bombarded with criticism of everything from failed police and judicial reforms to undermining rallies in favor of fair elections. Two questions now stand before rights activists deciding whether to abandon the council: is there more to be done from outside of the government than within, and will Vladimir Putin be willing to listen to a liberal council?

Medvedev, Putin Join May Day Demonstration

RIA Novosti

Russia's ruling duo, President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin made a rare joint appearance at a May Day rally in downtown Moscow on Tuesday. They led the Russian Workers' Union Federation march for part of the way and spoke to a number of demonstrators. The pair later went to drink beer in a bar just off Novy Arbat, a major avenue which is part of the route used by official motorcades to whisk them to and from the Kremlin.

The Home Stretch

By Dan Peleschuk

Russia Profile

Outgoing Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has just days left in his presidency. Ahead of the long May holidays and President-elect Vladimir Putin’s inauguration on May 7, it seems the lame-duck president is still firing parting shots in an attempt to shape his legacy. Though he has offered a number of symbolic gestures – pardoning a wrongly-imprisoned man and taking part in a tough question-and-answer broadcast, among others – experts say there’s little that can save Medvedev from an inevitable reputation that will follow him out of the Kremlin.

The Party’s New Boss

By Andrew Roth

Russia Profile

United Russia will be losing its popular figurehead, Vladimir Putin, when he returns to the presidency next month. Putin has suggested an appropriate replacement for the foundering party, President Dmitry Medvedev, who will likely have to reform the party from within in order to keep it viable in future elections. Yet Putin’s exit can only spell danger for the party – with other initiatives like the All-Russian National Front in the wings, United Russia could well see a massive restructuring this summer, or the project could be scrapped altogether.