In his mission to restore Russia's pride and prestige, President Vladimir Putin has repackaged the Soviet national anthem, reinvented patriotic pro-Kremlin youth groups, and revived the cult of the suave KGB officer.

Viktor Zubkov's Easy victory in Duma is dominated by the Kremlin-backed United Russia party, which had promised ostentious support ahead of the vote and the Liberal Democrats, led by ultra-nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky.

Viktor Zubkov, President Vladimir Putin's surprise choice as Russia's prime minister, said today he does not rule out running in next year's presidential election.

Vladimiar Putin dissolves Russian government and nominates financial monitor Victor Zubkov for the post of Prime Minister.