Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Saakashvili that Russia is set on pursuing a more constructive route in bilateral relations, and improving security in the Caucasus region.

Dmitry Medvedev was inaugurated as Russia's third president on Wednesday in a glittering and solemn ceremony in front of some 2,500 guests at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow as Vladimir Putin stepped down after eight years as head of state.

The ancient Indian yoga once banished from the country by a Communist leader is all set to make a home in the Kremlin next month when the new Russian President Dmitry Medvedev who practises the art, takes over.

U.S. President George W. Bush and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin failed to overcome their differences on missile defense at their final summit in south Russia on Sunday. However; Russian President-elect Dmitry Medvedev told U.S. President George Bush on Sunday that maintaining good relations between the countries is a key factor for international security.

In a long interview with Britain's Financial Times newspaper, Russia's President-elect Dmitri Medvedev shares his views about the country's economy, foreign policy and civil society.

Russian President-elect Dmitry Medvedev promised Wednesday to give a broader voice to civil society groups and strengthen the fight against official corruption.

Dmitri Medvedev, 42, officially becomes president of Russia on May 7. He will succeed Vladimir Putin, who has led the country for eight years. But Mr. Putin will not leave the political scene - Mr. Medvedev has promised to name him prime minister.

Russians go to the polls today to elect Russia's third president. Most of people are expected to vote for Putin's protege Dmitry Medvedev, which will allow Putin to retain power afterwards, when he probably takes the office of Russia's prime minister.

European observers said on Monday that Russia's presidential elections reflected the will of voters, but questioned the fairness of the polls.

The rules and procedures of Sunday's Russia's presidential election are widely considered to favor candidate Dmitri Medvedev, President Vladimir Putin's designated choice to succeed him. VOA Moscow correspondent Peter Fedynsky reports the Kremlin has framed the Medvedev candidacy in terms of stability.

Russians are preparing to go to the polls Sunday to elect their next president. But out of four candidates competing for the post, Kremlin-backed Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is the overwhelming favorite to win. Yet how much do the Russians actually know about the man who is likely to become their next president aside from the fact that he is supported by Russian President Vladimir Putin? Anya Ardayeva has this report from Moscow.

Russians go to the polls on Sunday for a presidential election in which the victory of Kremlin-backed candidate Dmitry Medvedev is considered a foregone conclusion. VOA Moscow Correspondent Peter Fedynsky reports that Medvedev's path toward high office has been very different from the one facing American presidential hopefuls.