Russian outgoing President Putin and president-elect Medvedev attend the United Russia party congress in Moscow

Russian outgoing President Vladimir Putin (L) and president-elect Dmitry Medvedev arrive at the United Russia party congress in Moscow on April 15, 2008. Putin agreed on Tuesday to lead Russia's biggest political party, securing his grip on power after he leaves the Kremlin and becomes prime minister next month. (UPI Photo/Anatoli Zhdanov)