Putin remains in driving seat as Medvedev settles in

DMITRY Medvedev may be Russia's president, but Vladimir Putin has kept his place in the Kremlin.

When Mr Putin, now prime minister, came to his old office in the Kremlin yesterday to propose the members of his government, the former president made for his customary seat on the left of the desk.

But he paused before sitting down and told Mr Medvedev: "Now this is your place," the Russian daily paper Kommersant reported.

"Oh, what's the difference?" Mr Medvedev answered and immediately sat on the right of the desk, where Mr Putin's guests traditionally perched for the eight years of his presidency.

Analysts and media said the seating arrangements showed that Mr Putin – at least for now – remained in the Kremlin's driving seat.