Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev (L) speaks with his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovich (C) and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (R) as they walk at the Zavidovo residence in the Tver region, on September 24, 2011. Putin accepted today a proposal by Medvedev to stand for Russian president in 2012 polls, saying it was a 'great honour'.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, left, and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin synchronize their watches during a United Russia party congress in Moscow, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011.

People applaud as Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, right, walks after his speech at the United Russia party's congress in Moscow, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011. Russia's dominant political party on Saturday nominated Vladimir Putin for president, almost certainly ensuring his return to the office he held for eight years, and approved Putin's proposal that current president Dmitry Medvedev swap places and become prime minister.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, foreground right, attends a United Russia party's congress in Moscow on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said that Russia's government should listen to human rights activists and make sure the courts provide equal protection to all citizens under the law.