Putin agrees to lead United Russia Party

MOSCOW, April 15 (UPI) -- Outgoing Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is expected to become prime minister, said Tuesday he agreed lead the United Russia Party.

"I gratefully accept the proposal to become chairman of the party," Putin said in a report from Itar-Tass.

Putin led the United Russia ticket in the Dec. 2 State Duma elections, though he never formally joined the party.

Putin's acceptance of the top position sets him as the most powerful figure in Russian politics, The Moscow Times said.

His protege, Dmitry Medvedev, takes the office of the president May 7, after which Putin is expected to become prime minister.