Putin to be confirmed as new PM

Russia's parliament is expected to approve former President Vladimir Putin as the new Russian prime minister.

He stepped down as president on Wednesday, handing over to his successor Dmitry Medvedev.

Within hours of being sworn in, Mr Medvedev nominated Mr Putin, his mentor, as prime minister.

Analysts say the powers of the prime minister will expand under Mr Putin, and he may in effect govern Russia jointly with the president.

The State Duma, or lower house of parliament, will vote on Mr Putin's nomination on Thursday.

As Mr Putin's United Russia party enjoys a large majority in parliament, the vote is seen as certain.

The 55-year-old former KGB agent was barred by the constitution from running for a third consecutive presidential term in the March elections.

The question of who wields the real power in the Kremlin will continue to fascinate, puzzle and perplex, the BBC's James Rodgers in Moscow says.