Dmitry Medvedev enters the hall for the inauguration ceremony in the Kremlin throne room in Moscow, May 7, 2008. Medvedev was sworn in as Russian president on Wednesday and just over two hours later nominated his predecessor Vladimir Putin as prime minister, ushering in an unprecedented period of dual rule.

Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev (L) shake hands during the inauguration ceremony in the Kremlin throne room in Moscow May 7, 2008. Medvedev was sworn in as Russian president on Wednesday and just over two hours later nominated his predecessor Vladimir Putin as prime minister, ushering in an unprecedented period of dual rule.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and Dmitry Medvedev (R) take part in an inauguration ceremony in Moscow's Kremlin throne room May 7, 2008. Medvedev was sworn in as Russian president on Wednesday and just over two hours later nominated his predecessor Putin as prime minister, ushering in an unprecedented period of dual rule.