In his first major political announcement since his re-election, Putin unveiled his new government which critics have described as uninspiring.

Russian protesters have clashed with riot police in a violent demonstration against Vladimir Putin’s rule, on the eve of his return to the presidency.

A female suicide bomber who was the widow of an Islamist militant killed five police officers when she blew herself up at a checkpoint in Dagestan.

Russia’s opposition is worried that Vladimir Putin is resorting to old tactics to crush dissent after riot police detained hundreds of protesters.

The timing of news that the Russia’s Vladimir Putin was almost killed has attracted scepticism from those opposed to his bid for re-election.

Russia has charged that any suggestions that its recent elections were not free and fair are the empty and unfounded imaginings of Western powers.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is ready for dialogue with the Russian protest movement to ensure that presidential polls are fair.