:en:Dmitry Medvedev

Dmitry Medvedev was born on 14 September 1965 in Leningrad, in the Soviet Union. His father, Anatoly Afanasyevich Medvedev (November 1926 – 2004), was a chemical engineer teaching at the Leningrad State Institute of Technology.[http://www.viperson.ru/wind.php?ID=634&wpg=1900 Медведев Дмитрий Анатольевич] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209152118/http://viperson.ru/wind.php?ID=634&wpg=1900 |date=9 December 2017 }} Viperson.ru[http://eg.ru/daily/politics/10229/ Потомок пахарей и хлеборобов] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090312093858/http://www.eg.ru/daily/politics/10229/ |date=12 March 2009}} Ekspress Gazeta 4 April 2008 Dmitry's mother, Yulia Veniaminovna Medvedeva (née Shaposhnikova, born 21 November 1939),{{cite web |url=http://www.rost.ru/official/2008/01/240000_12571.shtml |title=Transcript interview, First Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev |access-date=26 July 2008 |date=24 January 2008 |publisher=Government of the Russian Federation |language=ru |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130706094524/http://www.rost.ru/official/2008/01/240000_12571.shtml |archive-date=6 July 2013}} studied languages at Voronezh University and taught Russian at Herzen State Pedagogical University. Later, she would also work as a tour guide at Pavlovsk Palace. The Medvedevs lived in a 40m² apartment at 6 Bela Kun Street in the Kupchino Municipal Okrug (district) of Leningrad.{{cite web |url=http://eng.medvedev.kremlin.ru/biography |title=Dmitry Medvedev: Biography |publisher=Kremlin.ru |year=2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110325135428/http://eng.medvedev.kremlin.ru/biography |archive-date=25 March 2011}}{{cite book |author1-link=Daniel Treisman |title=The Return: Russia's Journey from Gorbachev to Medvedev |last=Treisman |first=Daniel |publisher=Free Press |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4165-6071-5 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/returnrussiasjou0000trei/page/123 123–163] |url=https://archive.org/details/returnrussiasjou0000trei/page/123}} Dmitry was his parents' only child. The Medvedevs were regarded at the time as a Soviet intelligentsia family. His maternal grandparents were Ukrainians whose surname was Kovalev, originally Koval. Medvedev traces his family roots to the Belgorod region.{{cite web |date=2009-09-03 |title=Дмитрий Медведев – личный сайт |url=http://medvedev.kremlin.ru/biography |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903083428/http://medvedev.kremlin.ru/biography |archive-date=2009-09-03 |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=medvedev.kremlin.ru}}

As a child, Medvedev was intellectually curious, described by his first grade teacher Vera Smirnova as a "dreadful why-asker". After school, he would spend some time playing with his friends before hurrying home to work on his assignments. In the third grade, Medvedev studied the ten-volume Small Soviet Encyclopedia belonging to his father. In the second and third grades, he showed interest in dinosaurs and memorised Earth's primary geologic development periods, from the Archean up to the Cenozoic. In the fourth and fifth grades he demonstrated interest in chemistry, conducting elementary experiments. He was involved to some degree with sport. In grade seven, his adolescent curiosity blossomed through his relationship with Svetlana Linnik, his future wife, who was studying at the same school in a parallel class. This apparently affected Medvedev's school performance. He calls the school's final exams in 1982 a "tough period when I had to mobilize my abilities to the utmost for the first time in my life."{{cite web |last=Andreyev |first=Sergey |title=Почему Медведев? |url=http://www.planputina2012.ru/2010/10/04/%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%83-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%B2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811054958/http://www.russiaprofile.org/page.php?pageid=Experts%27+Panel&articleid=a1244223567 |archive-date=11 August 2010}}

In the autumn of 1982, 17-year-old Medvedev enrolled at Leningrad State University to study law. Although he also considered studying linguistics, Medvedev later said he never regretted his choice, finding his chosen subject increasingly fascinating, stating that he was lucky "to have chosen a field that genuinely interested him and that it was really 'his thing'". Fellow students described Medvedev as a correct and diplomatic person who in debates presented his arguments firmly, without offending.

During his student years, Medvedev was a fan of the English rock bands Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple. He was also fond of sports, and participated in athletic competitions in rowing and weight-lifting.{{cite web |date=2007-12-20 |title=Спортивная биография Дмитрия Медведева: гребля, йога и штанга |url=https://www.newsru.com/russia/20dec2007/sportmedved.html |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=NEWSru.com |language=ru}}

He graduated from the Leningrad State University Faculty of Law in 1987 (together with Ilya Yeliseyev, Anton Ivanov, Nikolay Vinnichenko and Konstantin Chuychenko, who later became associates). After graduating, Medvedev considered joining the prosecutor's office to become an investigator however, he took an opportunity to pursue graduate studies as the civil law chair, deciding to accept three budget-funded post-graduate students to work at the chair itself.

In 1990, Medvedev defended his dissertation titled, "Problems of Realisation of Civil Juridical Personality of State Enterprise" and received his Doctor of Juridical Science (Candidate of Juridical Sciences) degree in civil law.{{cite news |date=2008-02-24 |title=FACTBOX: Key facts on Russia's Dmitry Medvedev |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-election-medvedev-biography-idUSL216633820080224 |access-date=2022-11-02}}

Anatoly Sobchak, a major democratic politician of the 1980s and 1990s was one of Medvedev's professors at the university. In 1988, Medvedev joined Sobchak's team of democrats and served as the de facto head of Sobchak's successful campaign for a seat in the new Soviet parliament, the Congress of People's Deputies of the USSR.{{cite news |last=Umland |first=Andreas |title=The Democratic Roots of Putin's Choice |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=11 December 2007 |url=https://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/10/AR2007121001560.html |access-date=10 May 2008 |archive-date=8 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008002916/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/10/AR2007121001560.html |url-status=live}}

After Sobchak's election campaign Medvedev continued his academic career in the position of associate professor (docent) at his alma mater, now renamed Saint Petersburg State University.Levy, Clifford J.; p. A18 He taught civil and Roman law until 1999. According to one student, Medvedev was a popular teacher; "strict but not harsh". During his tenure Medvedev co-wrote a popular three-volume civil law textbook which over the years has sold a million copies. Medvedev also worked at a small law consultancy firm which he had founded with his friends Anton Ivanov and Ilya Yeliseyev, to supplement his academic salary.

In 1990, Anatoly Sobchak returned from Moscow to become chairman of the Leningrad City Council. Sobchak hired Medvedev who had previously headed his election campaign. One of Sobchak's former students, Vladimir Putin, became an adviser. The next summer, Sobchak was elected Mayor of the city, and Medvedev became a consultant to City Hall's Committee for Foreign Affairs. It was headed by Putin.

In November 1993, Medvedev became the legal affairs director of Ilim Pulp Enterprise (ILP), a St. Petersburg-based timber company. Medvedev aided the company in developing a strategy as the firm launched a significant expansion. Medvedev received 20% of the company's stock. In the next seven years Ilim Pulp Enterprise became Russia's largest lumber company with an annual revenue of around $500 million. Medvedev sold his shares in ILP in 1999. He then took his first job at the central government of Russia. The profits realised by Medvedev are unknown.

File:Vladimir Putin with Dmitry Medvedev-3.jpg

In June 1996, Medvedev's colleague Vladimir Putin was brought into the Russian presidential administration. Three years later, on 16 August 1999, he became Prime Minister of Russia. Three months later, in November 1999, Medvedev became one of several from St. Petersburg brought in by Vladimir Putin to top government positions in Moscow. On 31 December, he was appointed deputy head of the presidential staff, becoming one of the politicians closest to future President Putin. On 17 January 2000, Dmitry Medvedev was promoted to 1st class Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation (the highest federal state civilian service rank) by the Decree signed by Vladimir Putin as acting President of Russia.{{cite act|type=Decree|index=59|date=17 January 2000|legislature=President of Russia|title=О присвоении квалификационного разряда федеральным государственным служащим Администрации Президента Российской Федерации|language=ru|url=http://pravo.gov.ru/proxy/ips/?searchres=&bpas=cd00000&a3=102000503&a3type=1&a3value=&a6=102000070&a6type=1&a6value=&a15=&a15type=1&a15value=&a7type=1&a7from=&a7to=&a7date=17.01.2000&a8=59&a8type=1&a1=&a0=&a16=&a16type=1&a16value=&a17=&a17type=1&a17value=&a4=&a4type=1&a4value=&a23=&a23type=1&a23value=&textpres=&sort=7&x=61&y=17}} During the 2000 presidential elections, he was Putin's campaign manager. Putin won the election with 52.94% of the popular vote. Medvedev was quoted after the election commenting he thoroughly enjoyed the work and the responsibility calling it "a test of strength".

As president, Putin launched a campaign against corrupt oligarchs and economic mismanagement. He appointed Medvedev chairman of gas company Gazprom's board of directors in 2000 with Alexei Miller. Medvedev put an end to the large-scale tax evasion and asset stripping by the previous corrupt management.{{cite book |last=Goldmann |first=Marshall |title=Petrostate: Putin, Power and the New Russia |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2008 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/petrostateputinp00gold/page/141 141–142] |isbn=978-0-19-534073-0 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/petrostateputinp00gold/page/141}} Medvedev then served as deputy chair from 2001 to 2002, becoming chair for the second time in June 2002, a position which he held until his ascension to presidency in 2008.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/business/worldbusiness/27iht-27gaz.14046892.html |title=Zubkov replaces Medvedev as Gazprom chairman |work=The New York Times |date=27 June 2008 |access-date=21 February 2017 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221094025/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/business/worldbusiness/27iht-27gaz.14046892.html |url-status=live}} During Medvedev's tenure, Gazprom's debts were restructured and the company's market capitalisation grew from $7.8 billion{{cite web |url=http://www.gazprom.com/investors/stock/ |title=Shares |publisher=Gazprom |access-date=26 December 2013 |archive-date=19 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319161841/http://www.gazprom.com/investors/stock/ |url-status=live}} in 2000 to $300 billion in early 2008. Medvedev headed Russia's negotiations with Ukraine and Belarus during gas price disputes.{{cite book |last=Willerton |first=John |title=Developments in Russian Politics |editor1-first=Stephen |editor1-last=White |publisher=Duke University Press |year=2010 |volume=7 |chapter=Semi-presidentialism and the evolving executive |isbn=978-0-230-22449-0}}

In October 2003, Medvedev replaced Alexander Voloshin as presidential chief of staff. In November 2005, Medvedev moved from the presidential administration of the government when Putin appointed him as first deputy prime minister of Russia. In particular, Medvedev was made responsible for the implementation of the National Priority Projects focusing on improving public health, education, housing and agriculture. The program saw an increase of wages in healthcare and education and construction of new apartments but its funding, 4% of the federal budget, was not enough to significantly overhaul Russia's infrastructure. According to opinion polls, most Russians believed the money invested in the projects had been spent ineffectively.

File:Dmitry Medvedev official large photo -1 (cropped).jpg

Following his appointment as first deputy prime minister, many political observers began to regard Medvedev as a potential candidate for the 2008 presidential elections,[http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/01/19EAFDE9-0C0D-43BC-99A5-BBD88912B086.html Russia: President's Potential Successor Debuts At Davos] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709032901/http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/01/19eafde9-0c0d-43bc-99a5-bbd88912b086.html |date=9 July 2008 }}. 31 January 2007. although Western observers widely believed Medvedev was too liberal and too pro-Western for Putin to endorse him as a candidate. Instead, Western observers expected the candidate to arise from the ranks of the so-called siloviki, security and military officials many of whom were appointed to high positions during Putin's presidency. The silovik Sergei Ivanov and the administrator-specialist Viktor Zubkov were seen as the strongest candidates. In opinion polls asking Russians to pick their favourite successor to Putin from a list of candidates not containing Putin himself, Medvedev often came out first, beating Ivanov and Zubkov as well as the opposition candidates.{{cite book |title=The Return: Russia's Journey from Gorbachev to Medvedev |last=Treisman |first=Daniel |publisher=Free Press |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4165-6071-5 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/returnrussiasjou0000trei/page/240 240–261] |url=https://archive.org/details/returnrussiasjou0000trei/page/240}} In November 2006, Medvedev's trust rating was 17%, more than double than that of Ivanov. Medvedev's popularity was probably boosted by his high-profile role in the National Priority Projects.{{cite book |title=The Crisis of Russian Democracy: Dual State, Factionalism and the Medvedev Succession |last=Sakwa |first=Richard |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-14522-0 |year=2011}}

Many observers were surprised on 10 December 2007 when President Putin introduced Medvedev as his preferred successor. This was staged on TV with four parties suggesting Medvedev's candidature to Putin, and Putin then giving his endorsement. The four pro-Kremlin parties were United Russia, Fair Russia, Agrarian Party of Russia and Civilian Power.{{cite news |url=http://lenta.ru/news/2007/12/10/medvedev/ |script-title=ru:Дмитрий Медведев выдвинут в президенты России |newspaper=Lenta.Ru |language=ru |date=10 December 2007 |access-date=30 November 2008 |archive-date=25 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225054718/http://lenta.ru/news/2007/12/10/medvedev/ |url-status=live}} United Russia held its party congress on 17 December 2007 where by secret ballot of the delegates, Medvedev was officially endorsed as their candidate in the 2008 presidential election.[http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12188392&PageNum=0 United Russia endorses D Medvedev as candidate for presidency] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304134226/http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12188392&PageNum=0 |date=4 March 2008 }} ITAR-TASS, 17 December 2007. He formally registered his candidacy with the Central Election Commission on 20 December 2007 and said he would step down as chairman of Gazprom, since under the current laws, the president is not permitted to hold another post.[http://wayback.vefsafn.is/wayback/20100313033814/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aO3DYm6Qk.Nc Medvedev Registers for Russian Presidency, Will Leave Gazprom], Bloomberg, 20 December 2007. His registration was formally accepted as valid by the Russian Central Election Commission on 21 January 2008.{{in lang|ru}} [http://cikrf.ru/postancik/Zp080688.jsp О регистрации Дмитрия Анатольевича Медведева кандидатом на должность Президента Российской Федерации] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305020714/http://cikrf.ru/postancik/Zp080688.jsp |date=5 March 2008 }}, Decision No. 88/688-5 of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, 21 January 2008. Describing his reasons for endorsing Medvedev, Putin said:

{{blockquote|I am confident that he will be a good president and an effective manager. But besides other things, there is this personal chemistry: I trust him. I just trust him.}}

{{main|2008 Russian presidential election}}

{{main|Dmitry Medvedev 2008 presidential campaign}}

File:Medvedev campaign poster.JPG

As 2 March 2008 election approached, the outgoing president, Vladimir Putin, remained the country's most popular politician. An opinion poll by Russia's independent polling organisation, the Levada Center,[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,60-2462502.html Yuri Levada] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309192919/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,60-2462502.html |date=9 March 2020 }}, The Times, 21 November 2006. conducted over the period 21–24 December 2007, indicated that when presented a list of potential candidates, 79% of Russians were ready to vote for Medvedev if the election was immediately held.[http://www.levada.ru/press/2007122701.html 27 December 2007. Последние президентские рейтинги 2007 года] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216154621/http://www.levada.ru/press/2007122701.html |date=16 February 2008 }}, The Levada Center, 27 December 2007. (In the same poll, when presented with the question of who they would vote for without a list of potential candidates, only 55% of those polled volunteered that they would vote for Medvedev, but another 24% said that they would vote for Putin. Putin is constitutionally ineligible for a consecutive presidential term.)[https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=apnXMfoQI2H8&refer=home Putin's Chosen Successor, Medevedev, Starts Campaign (Update2)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116135127/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=apnXMfoQI2H8&refer=home |date=16 January 2008 }}, Bloomberg.com, 11 January 2008. The other main contenders, the Communist Gennady Zyuganov and the LDPR's Vladimir Zhirinovsky both received in 9% in the same poll.Sakwa 2011, p.282[http://www.levada.ru/press/2007122701.html Последние президентские рейтинги 2007 года] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216154621/http://www.levada.ru/press/2007122701.html |date=16 February 2008 }} Ledada Center, 27 December 2007 Much of Putin's popularity transferred to his chosen candidate, with 42% of the survey responders saying that Medvedev's strength came from Putin's support to him.[http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/medvedevs-strength-is-putin-poll/351291.html Medvedev's Strength Is Putin: Poll] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005094325/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/medvedevs-strength-is-putin-poll/351291.html |date=5 October 2012 }} The Moscow Times, 16 January 2008.Sakwa 2011, p. 275

In his first speech after being endorsed, Medvedev stated that, as president, he would appoint Vladimir Putin to the post of prime minister to head the Russian government.[https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/world/europe/medvedev-speech.html Speech by Dmitry A. Medvedev] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124070550/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/world/europe/medvedev-speech.html |date=24 January 2018 }}, The New York Times, 11 December 2007 Although constitutionally barred from a third consecutive presidential term, such a role would allow Putin to continue as an influential figure in Russian politics.[http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2007/11/08/011.html Drive Starts to Make Putin 'National Leader'] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122081638/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2007/11/08/011.html |date=22 November 2008 }} The Moscow Times, 8 November 2007 Putin pledged that he would accept the position of prime minister should Medvedev be elected president. Although Putin had pledged not to change the distribution of authority between the president and prime minister, many analysts expected a shift in the center of power from the presidency to the prime minister post when Putin assumed the latter under a Medvedev presidency.[https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071217/ap_on_re_eu/russia_putin;_ylt=Ag0fbOASQNiLdv8w1LB9gESs0NUE Putin seeks prime minister's post] {{dead link|date=February 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Associated Press, 17 December 2007. Election posters portrayed the pair side by side with the slogan "Together We Win"{{cite web |url=http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/1010/42/361987.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080813211939/http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/1010/42/361987.htm |archive-date=13 August 2008 |title=Moscow Times |publisher=www.moscowtimes.ru |access-date=28 September 2010}} ("{{lang|ru|Вместе победим}}").{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7136556.stm |title=World | Europe | Profile: Dmitry Medvedev |work=BBC News |date=7 May 2008 |access-date=28 September 2010 |archive-date=23 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523070324/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7136556.stm |url-status=live}} Medvedev vowed to work closely with Putin once elected.{{cite news |title=New Russian president: I will work with Putin=CNN |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/03/russia.election/index.html |access-date=3 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305024307/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/03/russia.election/index.html |archive-date=5 March 2008}}

In December 2007, in preparation for his election campaign, Medvedev promised that funding of the National Priority Projects would be raised by 260 billion rubles for 2008. Medvedev's election campaign was relatively low-key and, like his predecessor, Medvedev refused to take part in televised debates, citing his high workload as first deputy prime minister as the reason. Instead, Medvedev preferred to present his views on his election website [http://www.medvedev2008.ru/ Medvedev2008.ru].Sakwa 2011, pp.282–283

In January 2008, Medvedev launched his campaign with stops in the oblasts.[https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080117/wl_nm/russia_medvedev_dc_1 Putin's successor dismisses fears of state "grab"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121223751/http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080117/wl_nm/russia_medvedev_dc_1 |date=21 January 2008 }}, Reuters, 17 January 2008. On 22 January 2008, Medvedev held what was effectively his first campaign speech at Russia's second Civic Forum, advocating a liberal-conservative agenda for modernising Russia. Medvedev argued that Russia needed "decades of stable development" because the country had "exhausted its share of revolutions and social upheavals back in the twentieth century". Medvedev therefore emphasised liberal modernisation while still aiming to continue his predecessor's agenda of stabilisation.Sakwa 2011, p.287 On 15 February 2008, Medvedev held a keynote speech at the Fifth Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum, saying that:

{{blockquote|Freedom is better than non-freedom – this principle should be at the core of our politics. I mean freedom in all its manifestations – personal freedom, economic freedom and, finally, freedom of expression.}}

In the Krasnoyarsk speech, Medvedev harshly condemned Russia's "legal nihilism" and highlighted the need to ensure the independence of the country's judicial system and the need for an anti-corruption program. Economically, Medvedev advocated private property, economic deregulation and lower taxes. According to him, Russia's economy should be modernised by focusing on four "I"s: institutions, infrastructure, innovation and investment.{{cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-23484976.htm |title=Foreign investors expect reforms from Russia's Medvedev}}{{cite news |last=Flintoff |first=Corey |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87809345 |title=Focus Shifts to How Medvedev Will Run Russia |newspaper=NPR |date=4 March 2008 |access-date=28 September 2010 |archive-date=26 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126072036/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87809345 |url-status=live}}

File:Vladimir Putin 11 March 2008-1.jpg Medvedev with Vladimir Putin in 2008]]

Medvedev was elected President of Russia on 2 March 2008. The final election results gave him 70.28% (52,530,712) of votes with a turnout of 69.78% of registered voters. The main contenders, Gennady Zyuganov and Vladimir Zhirinovsky, received 17.72% and 9.35% respectively. Three-quarters of Medvedev's vote was Putin's electorate. According to surveys, had Putin and Medvedev both run for president in the same elections, Medvedev would have received 9% of the vote.Sakwa 2011, pp.284–275

File:Vladimir Putin 2 March 2008-2.jpg

The fairness of the election was disputed by international observers. Andreas Gross, head of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) mission, stated that the elections were "neither free nor fair". Moreover, the few western vote monitors bemoaned the inequality of candidate registration and the abuse of administrative resources by Medvedev allowing blanket television coverage.{{cite news |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3164312,00.html |title=Europe Offers Congratulations and Criticism to Medvedev |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=3 March 2008 |access-date=13 April 2009 |archive-date=27 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527095659/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3164312,00.html |url-status=live}} Russian programmer Shpilkin analysed the results of Medvedev's election and came to the conclusion that the results were falsified by the election committees. However, after the correction for the alleged falsification factor, Medvedev still came out as the winner although with 63% of the vote instead of 70%.[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3768223.ece Dmitri Medvedev votes were rigged, says computer boffin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080903222116/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3768223.ece |date=3 September 2008 }} The Times 18 April 2008

{{main|Presidency of Dmitry Medvedev}}

{{main|Inauguration of Dmitry Medvedev}}

File:Inauguration of Dmitry Medvedev, 7 May 2008-7.jpg in the Grand Kremlin Palace on 7 May 2008]]

On 7 May 2008, Dmitry Medvedev took an oath as the third president of the Russian Federation in a ceremony held in the Grand Kremlin Palace.{{cite web |url=http://abclive.in/abclive_global/dmitry-medvedev-russia.html |title=ABC Live |publisher=Abclive.in |access-date=28 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527115609/http://abclive.in/abclive_global/dmitry-medvedev-russia.html |archive-date=27 May 2009}} After taking the oath of office and receiving a gold chain of double-headed eagles symbolising the presidency, he stated:

{{blockquote|I believe my most important aims will be to protect civil and economic freedoms... We must fight for a true respect of the law and overcome legal nihilism, which seriously hampers modern development.{{cite news |last=Stott |first=Michael |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/gc07/idUSL0649335020080507 |title=www.reuters.com, Russia's Medvedev takes power, pledges freedom |work=Reuters |date=7 May 2008 |access-date=28 September 2010 |archive-date=27 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527155003/http://www.reuters.com/article/gc07/idUSL0649335020080507 |url-status=live}}}}

His inauguration coincided with the celebration of the Victory Day on 9 May. He attended the military parade at Red Square and signed a decree to provide housing to war veterans.[http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12656054&PageNum=0 "Medvedev decrees to provide housing to war veterans"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222092859/http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12656054&PageNum=0 |date=22 December 2008 }} – ITAR-TASS, 7 May 2008, 15.27

{{see also|Vladimir Putin's Second Cabinet}}

File:Naryshkin Sergey Evgenyevich.jpg as the new head of the presidential administration.]]

On 8 May 2008, Dmitry Medvedev appointed Putin Prime Minister of Russia as he had promised during his election campaign. The nomination was approved by the State Duma with a clear majority of 392–56, with only Communist Party of the Russian Federation deputies voting against.

On 12 May 2008, Putin proposed the list of names for his new cabinet which Medvedev approved.{{cite news |last=Arnold |first=Chloe |date=12 May 2008 |title= Russia: Prime Minister Putin Names New Cabinet |url= https://www.rferl.org/a/1117469.html |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |location= Moscow|access-date=27 December 2023}} Most of the personnel remained unchanged from the period of Putin's initial presidency but there were several high-profile changes. The Minister of Justice, Vladimir Ustinov was replaced by Medvedev's former student Aleksandr Konovalov; the Minister of Energy, Viktor Khristenko was replaced with Sergei Shmatko; the Minister of Communications, Leonid Reiman was replaced with Igor Shchyogolev and Vitaliy Mutko received the newly created position of Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy.

In the presidential administration, Medvedev replaced Sergei Sobyanin with Sergei Naryshkin as the head of the administration. The director of the Federal Security Service, Nikolai Patrushev, was replaced with Alexander Bortnikov. Medvedev's economic adviser Arkady Dvorkovich and his press attaché Natalya Timakova became part of the president's core team. Medvedev's old classmate from his student years, Konstantin Chuychenko, became his personal assistant.

Medvedev was reported to have taken care not to upset the balance of different factions in the presidential administration and in the government. However, the influence of the powerful security/military-related siloviki weakened after Medvedev's inauguration for the first time in 20 years. In their place, Medvedev brought in the so-called civiliki, a network of St. Petersburg civil law scholars preferred by Medvedev for high positions.{{cite news |url=http://russiaprofile.org/politics/a1198058207.html |title=All the Next President's Men |publisher=Russia Profile |date=19 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804220426/http://russiaprofile.org/politics/a1198058207.html |archive-date=4 August 2011}}

{{main|Tandemocracy}}

File:Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin-1.jpg

From the beginning of Medvedev's tenure, the nature of his presidency and his relationship with Putin was subject to considerable media speculation. In a unique situation in the Russian Federation's political history, the constitutionally powerful president was now flanked with a highly influential prime minister (Putin), who also remained the country's most popular politician. Previous prime ministers had proven to be almost completely subordinate to the president and none of them had enjoyed strong public approval, with Yevgeny Primakov and Putin's previous tenure (1999–2000) as prime minister under Boris Yeltsin being the only exceptions. Journalists quickly dubbed the new system with a practically dual-headed executive as "government by tandem" or "tandemocracy", with Medvedev and Putin called the "ruling tandem".

Daniel Treisman has argued that early in Medvedev's presidency, Putin seemed ready to disengage and started withdrawing to the background. In the first year of Medvedev's presidency, two external events threatening Russia—the 2008 financial crisis and the 2008 South Ossetia war—changed Putin's plans and caused him to resume a stronger role in Russian politics.

{{main|Russo-Georgian War}}

File:2008 South Ossetia war en.svg]]

File:Decree recognising South Ossetia independence.png's independence, signed by Medvedev on 26 August 2008]]

The long-lingering conflict between Georgia and the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which were supported by Russia, escalated during the summer of 2008. On 1 August 2008, the Russian-backed South Ossetian forces started shelling Georgian villages, with a sporadic response from Georgian peacekeepers in the area. Intensifying artillery attacks by the South Ossetians broke a 1992 ceasefire agreement. To put an end to these attacks, the Georgian army units were sent in to the South Ossetian conflict zone on 7 August. Georgian troops took control of most of Tskhinvali, a separatist stronghold, in hours.{{cite web |url=http://www.ceiig.ch/pdf/IIFFMCG_Volume_II.pdf |title=EU report, volume II |date=30 September 2009 |publisher=Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia |access-date=30 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706223037/http://www.ceiig.ch/pdf/IIFFMCG_Volume_II.pdf |archive-date=6 July 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://www.iiss.org/EasysiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=20268&type=full&servicetype=Attachment |title=Russia's rapid reaction |last=Nicoll |first=Alexander |author2=Sarah Johnstone |date=September 2008 |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |access-date=9 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021133353/http://www.iiss.org/EasysiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=20268&type=full&servicetype=Attachment |archive-date=21 October 2008}}

At the time of the attack, Medvedev was on vacation and Putin was attending the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.[https://web.archive.org/web/20081218143641/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JI06Ad01.html China still on-side with Russia] Asia Times, 6 September 2008 At about 1:00 a.m on 8 August, Medvedev held a telephone conversation with the Defence Minister, Anatoliy Serdyukov. It is likely that during this conversation, Medvedev authorised the use of force against Georgia.{{cite book |title=The Tanks of August |publisher=Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies |year=2010 |last1=Lavrov |first1=Anton |editor=Ruslan Pukhov |isbn=978-5-9902320-1-3 |page=49}} The next day, Medvedev released a statement, in which he said:

{{blockquote|Last night, Georgian troops committed what amounts to an act of aggression against Russian peacekeepers and the civilian population in South Ossetia ... In accordance with the Constitution and the federal laws, as President of the Russian Federation it is my duty to protect the lives and dignity of Russian citizens wherever they may be. It is these circumstances that dictate the steps we will take now. We will not allow the deaths of our fellow citizens to go unpunished. The perpetrators will receive the punishment they deserve.|Dmitry Medvedev on 8 August 2008[http://archive.kremlin.ru/eng/text/speeches/2008/08/08/1553_type82912type82913_205032.shtml Statement on the Situation in South Ossetia] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016041104/http://archive.kremlin.ru/eng/text/speeches/2008/08/08/1553_type82912type82913_205032.shtml |date=16 October 2011 }} Website of the President of Russia, 8 August 2008.}}

In the early hours of 8 August, Russian military forces launched a counter-offensive against Georgian troops. After five days of heavy fighting, all Georgian forces were routed from South Ossetia and Abkhazia. On 12 August, Medvedev ended the Russian military operation, entitled "Operation to force Georgia into peace". Later on the same day, a peace deal brokered by the French and EU president, Nicolas Sarkozy, was signed between the warring parties. On 26 August, after being unanimously passed by the State Duma, Medvedev signed a decree recognising South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states. The five-day conflict cost the lives of 48 Russian soldiers, including 10 peacekeepers, while the casualties for Georgia was 170 soldiers and 14 policemen.Treisman, p.153

The Russian popular opinion of the military intervention was broadly positive, not just among the supporters of the government, but across the political spectrum.Treisman, p.154 Medvedev's popularity ratings soared by around 10 percentage points to over 70%,Treisman, p.259 due to what was seen as his effective handling of the war.Sakwa 2011, p.343

Shortly in the aftermath of the conflict, Medvedev formulated a 5-point strategy of the Russian foreign policy, which has become known as the Medvedev Doctrine. On 30 September 2009, the European Union–sponsored Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia stated that, while preceded by months of mutual provocations, "open hostilities began with a large-scale Georgian military operation against the town of Tskhinvali and the surrounding areas, launched in the night of 7 to 8 August 2008".{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8281990.stm |title=Georgia 'started unjustified war' |work=BBC News |date=30 September 2009 |access-date=25 June 2018 |archive-date=20 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420192452/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8281990.stm |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/eu-report-independent-experts-blame-georgia-for-south-ossetia-war-a-650228.html |title=EU Report: Independent Experts Blame Georgia for South Ossetia War |work=Der Spiegel |date=21 September 2009 |access-date=25 June 2018 |archive-date=2 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902051536/http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/eu-report-independent-experts-blame-georgia-for-south-ossetia-war-a-650228.html |url-status=live}}

In September 2008, Russia was affected by the 2008 financial crisis. Before this, Russian officials, such as the Finance Minister, Alexei Kudrin, had said they believed Russia would be safe, due to its stable macroeconomic situation and substantial reserves accumulated during the years of growth. Despite this, the recession proved to be the worst in the history of Russia, and the country's GDP fell by over 8% in 2009. The government's response was to use over a trillion rubles (more than $40 billion U.S. Dollars) to help troubled banks,Treisman, p.149 and initiated a large-scale stimulus programme, lending $50 billion to struggling companies.{{cite book |editor1=Anders Åslund |editor2=Sergei Guriev |editor3=Andrew C. Kuchins |title=Russia After the Global Economic Crisis |url=https://archive.org/details/russiaaftergloba00aslu |url-access=limited |chapter=Challenges Facing the Russian Economy after the Crisis |pages=[https://archive.org/details/russiaaftergloba00aslu/page/n19 9]–39 |last1=Guriev |first1=Sergei |last2=Tsyvinski |first2=Aleh |publisher=Peterson Institute for International Economics; Centre for Strategic and International Studies; New Economic School |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-88132-497-6}} No major banks collapsed, and minor failures were handled in an effective way. The economic situation stabilised in 2009, but substantial growth did not resume until 2010. Medvedev's approval ratings declined during the crisis, dropping from 83% in September 2008 to 68% in April 2009, before recovering to 72% in October 2009 following improvements in the economy.{{cite web |url=http://www.russiavotes.org/president/presidency_performance_trends.php#190 |title=President's performance in office — Trends |publisher=Levada Center |date=May 2011 |access-date=26 December 2013 |archive-date=11 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311190540/http://www.russiavotes.org/president/presidency_performance_trends.php#190 |url-status=live}}{{cite book |editor=Anders Åslund |editor2=Sergei Guriev |editor3=Andrew C. Kuchins |title=Russia After the Global Economic Crisis |url=https://archive.org/details/russiaaftergloba00aslu |url-access=limited |chapter=Russian Politics in a Time of Turmoil |pages=[https://archive.org/details/russiaaftergloba00aslu/page/n49 39]–59 |last1=Treisman |first1=Daniel |publisher=Peterson Institute for International Economics; Centre for Strategic and International Studies; New Economic School |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-88132-497-6}}

According to some analysts, the economic crisis, together with the 2008 South Ossetia war, delayed Medvedev's liberal programme. Instead of launching the reforms, the government and the presidency had to focus their efforts on anti-crisis measures and handling the foreign policy implications of the war.Treisman, p.155{{cite news |url=http://en.rian.ru/valdai_op/20110511/163967901.html |title=Dmitry Medvedev's three years in office: achievements, results and influence |publisher=RIA Novosti |date=11 May 2011 |access-date=5 July 2011 |archive-date=9 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809144118/http://en.rian.ru/valdai_op/20110511/163967901.html |url-status=dead}}

{{main|Medvedev modernisation programme}}

File:CeBit 2011 - Glosnass-K Satellite Model 11.jpg satellite. Medvedev made space technology and telecommunications one of the priority areas of his modernisation programme.]]

In the economic sphere, Medvedev has launched a modernisation programme which aims at modernising Russia's economy and society, decreasing the country's dependency on oil and gas revenues and creating a diversified economy based on high technology and innovation.{{cite web |url=http://www.russiaprofile.org/page.php?pageid=Experts%27+Panel&articleid=a1262277858 |title=Russia Profile Weekly Experts Panel: 2009 – Russia's Year in Review |publisher=Russia Profile |date=31 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119144608/http://www.russiaprofile.org/page.php?pageid=Experts%27+Panel&articleid=a1262277858 |archive-date=19 January 2011}} The programme is based on the top 5 priorities for the country's technological development: efficient energy use; nuclear technology; information technology; medical technology and pharmaceuticals; and space technology in combination with telecommunications.[http://www.i-russia.ru/ Presidential Commission on the modernisation and technological development of the Russian economy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211185029/http://www.i-russia.ru/ |date=11 December 2016 }} Official site. {{in lang|ru}}

In November 2010, on his annual speech to the Federal Assembly Medvedev stressed for greater privatisation of unneeded state assets both at the federal and regional level, and that Russia's regions must sell-off non-core assets to help fund post-crisis spending, following in the footsteps of the state's planned $32 billion 3-year asset sales. Medvedev said the money from privatisation should be used to help modernise the economy and the regions should be rewarded for finding their own sources of cash.{{cite news |title=Russia tells regions to join privatization drive |agency=Reuters |date=2010 |first1=Denis |last1=Dyomkin}}{{cite web |url=http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=15731844&PageNum=0 |title=Privatization in regions to yield tens of billions of rbls-Kremlin |publisher=Itar-tass.com |access-date=19 February 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Medvedev has named technological innovation one of the key priorities of his presidency. In May 2009, Medvedev established the Presidential Commission on Innovation, which he will personally chair every month. The commission comprises almost the entire Russian government and some of the best minds from academia and business.{{cite web |url=http://www.russiaprofile.org/page.php?pageid=Experts%27+Panel&articleid=a1244223567 |title=Russia Profile Weekly Experts Panel: Medvedev's Quest for Innovation |date=5 June 2009 |publisher=Russia Profile |access-date=30 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811054958/http://www.russiaprofile.org/page.php?pageid=Experts%27+Panel&articleid=a1244223567 |archive-date=11 August 2010}} Medvedev has also said that giant state corporations will inevitably be privatised, and although the state had increased its role in the economy in recent years, this should remain a temporary move.{{cite news |last= |first= |date= 7 August 2009|title= Russian President Puts State Firms Under Scrutiny |url= https://www.rferl.org/a/Russian_President_Puts_State_Firms_Under_Scrutiny/1794738.html |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty from Reuters |location=Moscow |access-date=27 December 2023}}

File:Dmitry Medvedev in Sakha, November 2011-11.jpeg in Siberia in 2011]]

On 7 August 2009, Dmitry Medvedev instructed the prosecutor general, Yury Chayka, and the chief of the Audit Directorate of the Presidential Administration of Russia, Konstantin Chuychenko, to probe state corporations, a new highly privileged form of organisation earlier promoted by President Putin, to question their appropriateness.{{cite web |url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc.aspx?DocsID=1226991 |title=Ъ-Online – Генпрокуратура приступила к проверке госкорпораций |publisher=Kommersant.ru |access-date=28 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610020835/http://www.kommersant.ru/doc.aspx?DocsID=1226991 |archive-date=10 June 2011}}

In June 2010, he visited the Twitter headquarters in Silicon Valley declaring a mission to bring more high-tech innovation and investment to the country.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/twitter/7852258/Dmitry-Medvedev-visits-Twitter-HQ-and-tweets.html |title=Dmitry Medvedev visits Twitter HQ and tweets |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419214411/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/twitter/7852258/Dmitry-Medvedev-visits-Twitter-HQ-and-tweets.html |archive-date=19 April 2016 |work=The Telegraph |date=24 June 2010 |access-date=14 June 2011 |language=en}}

{{main|Russian police reform}}

Medvedev made reforming Russia's law enforcement one of his top agendas, the reason for which was a shooting started by a police officer in April 2009 in one of Moscow's supermarkets. Medvedev initiated the reform at the end of 2009, with a presidential decree issued on 24 December ordering the government to begin planning the reform. In early August 2010, a draft law was posted on the Internet at the address [http://www.zakonoproekt2010.ru] for public discussion. The new website received more than 2,000 comments within 24 hours.{{cite web |url=http://russiaprofile.org/experts_panel/a1282921466.html |title=Russia Profile Weekly Experts Panel: Will Police Reform Result in Name Change Only? |publisher=Russia Profile |date=27 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711234527/http://russiaprofile.org/experts_panel/a1282921466.html |archive-date=11 July 2011}} Based on citizen feedback, several modifications to the draft were made. On 27 October 2010, President Medvedev submitted the draft to the lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma.{{cite news |url=http://en.beta.rian.ru/russia/20101027/161109261.html |title=Medvedev submits draft police law to Russian lower house |publisher=RIA Novosti |date=27 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007144613/http://en.beta.rian.ru/russia/20101027/161109261.html |archive-date=7 October 2011}} The State Duma voted to approve the bill on 28 January 2011, and the upper house, the Federation Council followed suit on 2 February 2011. On 7 February 2011, President Medvedev signed the bill into law.{{cite book |last= |first= |author-link= |editor-last1= Munro|editor-first1= Bill|editor-last2=Goodall |editor-first2=Kay Eileen |editor-last3= Malloch|editor-first3= Margaret S.|date=2013 |title= Building Justice in Post-transition Europe: Processes of Criminalisation Within Central and Eastern European Societies |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=kxkTvOE7vSYC |location= |publisher=Routledge |page= 162|isbn= 9780415697132}} The changes came into effect on 1 March 2011.

Under the reform, the salaries of Russian police officers were increased by 30%, Interior Ministry personnel were cut and financing and jurisdiction over the police were centralised.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}} Around 217 billion rubles ($7 billion) were allocated to the police reform from the federal budget for the time frame 2012–2013.{{cite news |url=http://en.beta.rian.ru/russia/20100909/160525031.html |title=Russia to spend around $7 billion on police reform in 2012–2013 |publisher=RIA Novosti |date=9 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007144655/http://en.beta.rian.ru/russia/20100909/160525031.html |archive-date=7 October 2011}}

{{main|Russian anti-corruption campaign|Corruption in Russia}}

File:Dmitry Medvedev 30 September 2008-1.jpg

On 19 May 2008, Medvedev signed a decree on anti-corruption measures, which included creation of an Anti-Corruption Council.{{cite journal |last1= Burger|first1= Ethan S.|date=Winter 2009 |title= Following only some of the money in Russia |url= https://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu/context/facpub/article/1166/viewcontent/burger_following_some_money.pdf |journal=Demokratizatsiya |volume= 17|issue= 1|pages= 41–72|doi= 10.3200/DEMO.17.1.41-72|publisher=George Washington University |access-date=27 December 2023}} In the first meeting of the council on 30 September 2008, Medvedev said:Sakwa 2011, p.329

{{blockquote|I will repeat one simple, but very painful thing. Corruption in our country has become rampant. It has become commonplace and characterises the life of the Russian society.}}

In July 2008, Medvedev's National Anti-Corruption Plan was published in the official Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper. It suggested measures aimed at making sanctions for corruption more severe, such as legislation to disqualify state and municipal officials who commit minor corruption offences and making it obligatory for officials to report corruption. The plan ordered the government to prepare anti-corruption legislation based on these suggestions.[http://www.russiaprofile.org/politics/a1218127698.html Medvedev's Anti-Corruption Crusade] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111212024356/http://www.russiaprofile.org/politics/a1218127698.html |date=12 December 2011 }} Russia Profile, 8 July 2008[http://archive.kremlin.ru/eng/text/docs/2008/07/206715.shtml National Anti-Corruption Plan] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016044318/http://archive.kremlin.ru/eng/text/docs/2008/07/206715.shtml |date=16 October 2011 }} Website of the President of Russia, 31 July 2008. The bill that followed, called On Corruption Counteraction was signed into law on 25 December 2008 as Federal Law N 273-FZ.[http://archive.kremlin.ru/eng/text/docs/2008/12/222114.shtml The Russian Federation Federal Law On Corruption Counteraction, 25 December 2008, N 273-FZ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016040747/http://archive.kremlin.ru/eng/text/docs/2008/12/222114.shtml |date=16 October 2011 }} Website of President Of Russia According to Professor Richard Sakwa, "Russia now at last had serious, if flawed, legislation against corruption, which in the context was quite an achievement, although preliminary results were meagre." Russia's score in Corruption Perceptions Index rose from 2.1 in 2008 to 2.2 in 2009, which "could be interpreted as a mildly positive response to the newly adopted package of anti-corruption legislation initiated and promoted by president Medvedev and passed by the Duma in December 2008", according to Transparency International's CPI 2009 Regional Highlights report.[http://russiaprofile.org/politics/a1258654892/print_edition/ Grafting the Future] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928094444/http://russiaprofile.org/politics/a1258654892/print_edition/ |date=28 September 2011 }} Russia Profile, 29 November 2009

On 13 April 2010, Medvedev signed presidential decree No. 460 which introduced the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, a midterm government policy, while the plan is updated every two years. The new strategy stipulated increased fines, greater public oversight of government budgets and sociological research.{{cite news |url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/medvedev-redefines-anti-corruption-drive/403966.html |title=Medvedev Redefines Anti-Corruption Drive |author=Nikolaus von Twickel |newspaper=The Moscow Times |date=16 April 2010 |access-date=26 December 2013 |archive-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417065742/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/medvedev-redefines-anti-corruption-drive/403966.html |url-status=live}}[http://eng.news.kremlin.ru/ref_notes/8 National Anti-Corruption Strategy (Approved by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation №460 of 13 April 2010)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402174021/http://eng.news.kremlin.ru/ref_notes/8 |date=2 April 2015 }} Website of the President of Russia. According to Georgy Satarov, president of the Indem think tank, the latest decree "probably reflected Medvedev's frustration with the fact that the 2008 plan had yielded little result."

In January 2011, President Medvedev admitted that the government had so far failed in its anti-corruption measures.[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-01/13/c_13689654.htm Russian president admits failure in fighting corruption] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122040820/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-01/13/c_13689654.htm |date=22 January 2011 }} Xianhuanet 13 January 2011

On 4 May 2011, Medvedev signed the Federal Law On Amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation to Improve State Anti-Corruption Management.[http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/2164 Amendments to bolster anti-corruption legislation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402200606/http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/2164 |date=2 April 2015 }} Website of the President of Russia The bill raised fines for corruption to up to 100 times the amount of the bribe given or received, with the maximum fine being 500 million rubles ($18.3 million).{{cite news |last= |first= |date= 17 February 2011|title= Imprisonment for bribery replaced with 500 million rubles fine |url= https://bnn-news.com/imprisonment-bribery-replaced-500-million-rubles-worth-fine-18050 |work= Baltic News Network|location= |access-date=27 December 2023}}

{{expand section|date=November 2010}}

File:Medvedev and WOOS based on ReactOS.jpg in 2011]]

President Medvedev initiated a new policy called "Our New School"{{clarify|date=July 2018}} and instructed the government to present a review on the implementation of the initiative every year.Itar Tass, "Pres to launch education modernization project in few days"

File:Siergiej Mironow.jpg's Sergey Mironov was very critical of the 2009 regional elections.]]

Regional elections held on 1 March 2009 were followed by accusations of administrative resources being used in support of United Russia candidates, with the leader of A Just Russia, Sergey Mironov, being especially critical. Responding to this, Medvedev met with the chairman of the Central Election Commission of Russia, Vladimir Churov, and called for moderation in the use of administrative resources. In August 2009, Medvedev promised to break the near-dominant position of United Russia party in national and regional legislatures, stating that "New democratic times are beginning".[http://ca.reuters.com/article/idCATRE59929320091012 Polls show Russians back crisis plan: Putin's party] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401020920/http://ca.reuters.com/article/idCATRE59929320091012 |date=1 April 2017 }} Reuters, 12 October 2009 The next regional elections were held on 11 October 2009 and won by United Russia with 66% of the vote. The elections were again harshly criticised for the use of administrative resources in favour of United Russia candidates. Communist, LDPR and A Just Russia parliamentary deputies staged an unprecedented walkout on 14–15 October 2009 as a result.Sakwa 2011, p.327 Although Medvedev often promised to stand up for more political pluralism, Professor Richard Sakwa observed, after the 2009 regional elections, a gulf formed between Medvedev's words and the worsening situation, with the question arising "whether Medvedev had the desire or ability to renew Russia's political system."

On 26 October 2009, the First Deputy Chief of Staff, Vladislav Surkov, warned that democratic experiments could result in more instability and that more instability "could rip Russia apart".[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/russia/detail/51329/ Kremlin warns against wrecking Russia with democracy] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091030002100/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/russia/detail/51329/ |date=30 October 2009 }}, Kyiv Post (26 October 2009) On 6 November 2010, Medvedev vetoed a recently passed bill which restricted antigovernment demonstrations. The bill, passed on 22 October, prohibited anyone who had previously been convicted of organising an illegal mass rally from seeking permission to stage a demonstration.{{cite web |title=Medvedev vetoes law restricting protests: Kremlin {{!}} Russian News {{!}} Expatica Moscow |url=http://www.expatica.com/ru/news/country-news/Medvedev-vetoes-law-restricting-protests-Kremlin_218922.html |website=www.expatica.com |date=6 November 2010 |access-date=2 September 2015 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113165831/http://www.expatica.com/ru/news/country-news/Medvedev-vetoes-law-restricting-protests-Kremlin_218922.html |url-status=live}}

In late November 2010, Medvedev made a public statement about the damage being done to Russia's politics by the dominance of the United Russia party. He claimed that the country faced political stagnation if the ruling party would "degrade" if not challenged; "this stagnation is equally damaging to both the ruling party and the opposition forces." In the same speech, he said Russian democracy was "imperfect" but improving. BBC Russian correspondents reported that this came on the heels of discontent in political circles and opposition that the authorities, in their view, had too much control over the political process.{{cite web |author=Steve Rosenberg |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11828222 |title=Medvedev warns of political 'stagnation' in Russia |publisher=BBC |date=24 November 2010 |access-date=19 February 2011 |archive-date=28 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728135201/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11828222 |url-status=live}}

File:Dmitry Medvedev in Tatarstan, June 2011-9.jpeg.]]

In his first State of the Nation address to the Russian parliament on 5 November 2008,{{cite web |url=http://kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2008/11/05/2144_type70029type82917type127286_208836.shtml |title=Full text in English |publisher=Kremlin.ru |access-date=28 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831004530/http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2008/11/05/2144_type70029type82917type127286_208836.shtml |archive-date=31 August 2009}} Medvedev proposed to change the Constitution of Russia in order to increase the terms of the president and State Duma from four to six and five years respectively (see 2008 Amendments to the Constitution of Russia).

Medvedev on 8 May 2009, proposed to the legislature and on 2 June signed into law an amendment whereby the chairperson of the Constitutional Court and his deputies would be proposed to the parliament by the president rather than elected by the judges, as was the case before.{{cite web |url=http://itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=14005381&PageNum=99 |title=Itar-Tass |publisher=Itar-Tass |access-date=28 September 2010}}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

In May 2009, Medvedev set up the Presidential Commission of the Russian Federation to Counter Attempts to Falsify History to the Detriment of Russia's Interests.Andrew Osborn. [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124277297306236553 Medvedev Creates History Commission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623213017/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124277297306236553 |date=23 June 2017 }}, The Wall Street Journal, 21 May 2009. In August of the same year, he stated his opposition to the equating of Stalinism with Nazism. Medvedev denied the involvement of the Soviet Union in the Soviet invasion of Poland together with Nazi Germany. Arguments of the European Union and of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) were called a lie. Medvedev said it was Joseph Stalin who in fact "ultimately saved Europe".[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/aug/30/war-stalin-russia-medvedev The war? Nothing to do with Stalin, says Russia's president, Dmitry Medvedev] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017223709/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/aug/30/war-stalin-russia-medvedev |date=17 October 2016 }} (30 August 2009)

On 30 October 2009, due to the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repressions, President Medvedev published a statement in his video blog. He stressed that the memory of national tragedies is as sacred as the memory of victory. Medvedev recalled that for twenty of the pre-war years entire layers and classes of the Russian people were destroyed (this period includes the Red Terror mainly under the lead of Felix Dzerzhinsky, the crimes of Joseph Stalin and other evil deeds of the Soviet Bolsheviks). Nothing can take precedence over the value of human life, said the president.[http://www.rbc.ru/society/30/10/2009/5703d73c9a7947733180c25b Д. Медведев: Нельзя оправдывать тех, кто уничтожал свой народ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027075827/http://www.rbc.ru/society/30/10/2009/5703d73c9a7947733180c25b |date=27 October 2017 }} (30 окт, 2009)

In a speech on 15 September 2009, Medvedev stated that he approved of the abolition in 2004 of direct popular elections of regional leaders, effectively in favour of their appointment by the Kremlin, and added that he did not see a possibility of a return to direct elections even in 100 years.{{cite web |url=http://www.times.spb.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=29784 |title=St. Petersburg Times |publisher=Times.spb.ru |date=18 September 2009 |access-date=28 September 2010 |archive-date=14 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414072549/http://www.times.spb.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=29784 |url-status=live}}

In 2009, Medvedev proposed an amendment to the election law which would decrease the State Duma election threshold from 7% to 5%. The amendment was signed into law in Spring 2009. Parties receiving more than 5% but less than 6% of the votes would henceforward be guaranteed one seat, while parties receiving more than 6% but less than 7% will get two seats. These seats will be allocated before the seats for parties with over 7% support.{{cite web |url=http://www.russiavotes.org/duma/duma_election_law.php?S776173303132=732d47538b10f64be14861adc60c411e |title=How the Duma electoral system works |publisher=Levada Center |access-date=26 December 2013 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043423/http://www.russiavotes.org/duma/duma_election_law.php?S776173303132=732d47538b10f64be14861adc60c411e |url-status=live}}

Russian election law stipulates that parties with representatives in the State Duma are free to put forward a list of candidates for the Duma elections, while parties with no current representation need first to collect signatures. Under the 2009 amendments initiated by Medvedev, the number of signatures required was lowered from 200,000 to 150,000 for the 2011 Duma elections. In subsequent elections, only 120,000 signatures will be required.

{{main|List of international trips made by Dmitry Medvedev}}

File:Obama and Medvedev sign Prague Treaty 2010.jpeg Barack Obama after signing the New START treaty in Prague, Czech Republic{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIEByvOXwdw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/sIEByvOXwdw |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live |title=Burger Time for President's Obama and Medvedev |date=25 June 2010 |website=YouTube.com |publisher=Associated Press, USA |access-date=8 April 2017}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_u1ypupD-A |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/e_u1ypupD-A |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live |title=The Obamas and The Medvedevs Dine Together |date=13 November 2012 |publisher=WestEndNews |website=YouTube.com |access-date=8 April 2017}}{{cbignore}}]]

In August, during the third month of Medvedev's presidency, Russia took part in the 2008 South Ossetia war with Georgia, which drove tension in Russia–United States relations to a post–Cold War high. On 26 August, following a unanimous vote of the Federal Assembly of Russia, Medvedev issued a presidential decree officially recognising Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states,[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7582181.stm Russia recognises Georgian rebels] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017222208/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7582181.stm |date=17 October 2017 }}, BBC, 26 August 2008. Retrieved 27 August 2008. an action condemned by the G8.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7585182.stm Russia faces fresh condemnation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828031258/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7585182.stm |date=28 August 2008 }}, BBC, 27 August 2008. Retrieved 29 August 2008. On 31 August 2008, Medvedev shifted Russia's foreign policy under his government, built around five main principles, collectively referred to as the Medvedev Doctrine:{{cite book |last= Pacer |first= Valerie|author-link= |date=19 November 2015 |title= Russian Foreign Policy Under Dmitry Medvedev, 2008-2012 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=zYL4CgAAQBAJ |location= |publisher=Taylor & Francis |page= 121|isbn= 9781317373063}}

1. Fundamental principles of international law are supreme.
2. The world will be multipolar.
3. Russia will not seek confrontation with other nations.
4. Russia will protect its citizens wherever they are.
5. Russia will develop ties in friendly regions.

In his address to the parliament on 5 November 2008 he also promised to deploy the Iskander missile system and radar-jamming facilities in Kaliningrad Oblast to counter the U.S. missile defence system in Eastern Europe.Steve Gutterman and Vladimir Isachenkov. [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iixUMnyP1SvpqLuds4ACt56lczywD9490FG81 Medvedev: Russia to deploy missiles near Poland]{{dead link|date=September 2011}}, Associated Press, 5 November 2008. Following U.S. President Barack Obama's 17 September 2009 decision to not deploy missile-defense elements in the Czech Republic and Poland, Dmitry Medvedev said he decided against deploying Iskander missiles in Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast.{{cite news |last= Shchedrov |first=Oleg |date= 25 September 2009 |title= Russia won't put missiles in Kaliningrad: Medvedev |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-usa-missiles-idUSTRE58O6ZG20090925/ |work=Reuters |location= Pittsburgh|access-date=27 December 2023}}

In March 2011, Medvedev urged US President Barack Obama to prevent civilian casualties during NATO's military intervention in Libya. He said Russia was concerned about possible civilian casualties in what he called the "indiscriminate" use of force in Libya.{{cite news |title=Medvedev tells Obama: prevent Libyan civilian deaths |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-libya-obama-idUSTRE72N7HB20110324 |work=Reuters |date=24 March 2011}}

File:Dmitry Medvedev BRICS summit 2012-15.jpeg leaders in 2012 – Dilma Rousseff, Medvedev, Manmohan Singh, Hu Jintao, and Jacob Zuma]]

On 21 November 2011, Medvedev claimed that the war on Georgia had prevented further NATO expansion.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

In 2011, during the performance at the Yaroslavl Global Policy Forum, President Medvedev has declared that the doctrine of Karl Marx on class struggle is extremist and dangerous. Progressive economic stratification which can be less evident in period of economic growth, leads to acute conflicts between rich and poor people in period of downturn. In such conditions, the doctrine on class struggle is being revived in many regions of the world, riots and terrorist attacks become reality, by opinion of Medvedev.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160927211025/http://www.rbc.ru/politics/08/09/2011/5703ebdd9a79477633d37877 Д. Медведев назвал учение] Маркса экстремистским (8 September 2011)

In August 2014, President Barack Obama said: "We had a very productive relationship with President Medvedev. We got a lot of things done that we needed to get done."{{cite news |title=The president on dealing with Russia |url=https://www.economist.com/democracy-in-america/2014/08/02/the-president-on-dealing-with-russia |newspaper=The Economist |date=2 August 2014 |access-date=4 January 2019 |archive-date=5 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105094217/https://www.economist.com/democracy-in-america/2014/08/02/the-president-on-dealing-with-russia |url-status=live}}

During the official visit to Armenia on 7 April 2016, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex to pay tribute to the victims of the Armenian genocide. Medvedev laid flowers at the Eternal Fire and honoured the memory of the victims with a minute of silence. Russia recognised the crime in 1995.[http://www.gov.am/en/news/item/8368/ "RF Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev Pays Tribute to Armenian Genocide Victims"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821194417/http://www.gov.am/en/news/item/8368/ |date=21 August 2016 }} (Thursday, 7 April 2016)

Although the Russian constitution clearly apportions the greater power in the state to the president, speculation arose over the question of whether it was Medvedev or Prime Minister Vladimir Putin who actually wielded the most power.{{cite news |last=Osborn |first=Andrew |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/7386448/Dmitry-Medvedevs-Russia-still-feels-the-cold-hand-of-Vladimir-Putin.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/7386448/Dmitry-Medvedevs-Russia-still-feels-the-cold-hand-of-Vladimir-Putin.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Dmitry Medvedev's Russia still feels the cold hand of Vladimir Putin, Telegraph |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |date=7 March 2010 |access-date=28 September 2010}}{{cbignore}} According to London Daily Telegraph, "Kremlin-watchers" note that Medvedev uses the more formal form of 'you' (Вы, 'vy') when addressing Putin, while Putin addresses Medvedev with the less formal 'ty' (ты).

According to a poll conducted in September 2009 by the Levada Center in which 1,600 Russians took part, 13% believed Medvedev held the most power, 32% believed Putin held the most power, 48% believed that the two shared equal levels of influence, and 7% failed to answer.[http://www.levada.ru/press/2009092804.html Poll: Medvedev and Putin: who holds the power?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616052841/http://www.levada.ru/press/2009092804.html |date=16 June 2011 }} Levada Center Retrieved on 12 March 2010 However, Medvedev attempted to affirm his position by stating, "I am the leader of this state, I am the head of this state, and the division of power is based on this."{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/medvedev-insists-hes-boss-2595589 |title=Medvedev insists he's the boss |date=30 March 2009 |work=Television New Zealand |access-date=28 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919105652/http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/medvedev-insists-hes-boss-2595589 |archive-date=19 September 2011}}

{{See|2011–2013 Russian protests}}

As both Putin and Medvedev could have run for president in the 2012 general elections, there was a view from some analysts that some of Medvedev's contemporaneous actions and comments at the time were designed to separate his image from Putin's. BBC News suggested these might include his dealings in late 2010 with NATO and the United States, possibly designed to show himself as being better able to deal with Western nations,{{cite news |title=Russia 'to work with Nato on missile defence shield' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11803931 |newspaper=BBC News |date=20 November 2010 |access-date=19 February 2011 |archive-date=15 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915155941/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11803931 |url-status=live}} and comments in November about the need for a stronger opposition in Russian politics, to present himself as a moderniser. BBC News observed other analysts considered the split to be exaggerated, that Medvedev and Putin were "trying to maximise support for the authorities by appealing to different parts of society". There was belief that the court verdict on former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his partner Platon Lebedev, both of whom funded opposition parties before their arrests, would indicate whether or not Putin was "still calling all the shots".{{cite news |title=Russia's most important court trial |first=Andrei |last=Ostalski |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11994591 |newspaper=BBC News |date=15 December 2010 |access-date=19 February 2011 |archive-date=4 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204141131/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11994591 |url-status=live}}

On 24 September 2011, while speaking at the United Russia party congress, Medvedev recommended Vladimir Putin as the party's presidential candidate and revealed that the two men had long ago cut a deal to allow Putin to return to the presidency in 2012 after he was forced to stand down in 2008 by term limits.{{cite news |title=Vladimir Putin on course to be Russia's next president as Dmitry Medvedev steps aside |first=Andrew |last=Osborn |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/8786314/Vladimir-Putin-on-course-to-be-Russias-next-president-as-Dmitry-Medvedev-steps-aside.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/8786314/Vladimir-Putin-on-course-to-be-Russias-next-president-as-Dmitry-Medvedev-steps-aside.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=24 September 2011 |access-date=25 September 2011}}{{cbignore}} This switch was termed by many in the media as "rokirovka", the Russian term for the chess move "castling". Medvedev said he himself would be ready to perform "practical work in the government".{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} Putin accepted Medvedev's offer the same day, and backed him for the position of the prime minister of Russia in case the United Russia, whose list of candidates in the elections Medvedev agreed to head, were to win in the upcoming Russian legislative election.{{cite news |title=Russia's Putin set to return as president in 2012 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15045816 |newspaper=BBC News |date=24 September 2011 |access-date=25 September 2011 |archive-date=3 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203082332/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15045816 |url-status=live}} The same day, the Russian Orthodox Church endorsed the proposal by President Medvedev to let Putin return to the post of president of Russia.{{cite web |url=http://www.gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2011/09/24/n_2023289.shtml |title=Церковь одобрила решение Путина вернуться на пост президента России |publisher=Gazeta.ru |date=24 September 2011 |access-date=24 September 2011 |archive-date=4 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904160736/https://www.gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2011/09/24/n_2023289.shtml |url-status=live}}

On 22 December 2011, in his last state of the nation address in Moscow, Medvedev called for comprehensive reform of Russia's political system — including restoring the election of regional governors and allowing half the seats in the State Duma to be directly elected in the regions. "I want to say that I hear those who talk about the need for change, and understand them", Medvedev said in an address to the Duma. "We need to give all active citizens the legal chance to participate in political life." However, the opposition to the ruling United Russia party of Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin dismissed the proposals as political posturing that failed to adequately address protesters who claimed 4 December election was rigged.{{cite news |title=Russia's Medvedev tries to appease protesters |url=https://news.yahoo.com/russias-medvedev-says-backs-political-reform-084520020.html |access-date=22 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112232907/http://news.yahoo.com/russias-medvedev-says-backs-political-reform-084520020.html |archive-date=12 January 2012}} On 7 May, on his last day in office, Medvedev signed the last documents as the head of state: in the sphere of civil society, protection of human rights and modernisation. He approved the list of instructions by the results of the meeting with the presidential council on civil society and human rights, which was held on 28 April. Medvedev also approved with his decree "Presidential programme for raising skills of engineers for 2012–2014" for modernisation and technological development of the Russian economy.{{in lang|ru}} [http://www.itar-tass.com/en/c154/412061.html "Putin signs first decree as president", Itar Tass, 7 May 2012] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614065907/http://www.itar-tass.com/en/c154/412061.html |date=14 June 2013 }}. Itar-tass.com. Retrieved 10 May 2012.

{{main|Dmitry Medvedev's First Cabinet}}

File:Dmitry Medvedev’s First Cabinet.jpg

On 7 May 2012, the same day he ceased to be the president of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev was nominated by President Vladimir Putin to the office of prime minister.[https://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/07/world/europe/russia-putin/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 Putin returns as Russia's president amid protests – CNN.com] . Edition.cnn.com (7 May 2012). Retrieved 10 May 2012.[http://www.rttnews.com/1878860/putin-proposes-medvedev-as-russian-prime-minister.aspx?type=pn Putin Proposes Medvedev As Russian Prime Minister] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730220604/http://www.rttnews.com/1878860/putin-proposes-medvedev-as-russian-prime-minister.aspx?type=pn |date=30 July 2012 }}. Rttnews.com (7 May 2012). Retrieved 10 May 2012. On 8 May 2012, the State Duma of the Russian Federation voted on the nomination submitted by the new president, and confirmed the choice of Medvedev to the post. Putin's United Russia party, now led by Medvedev, secured a majority of the Duma's seats in the 2011 legislative election, winning 49% of the vote, and 238 of the 450 seats. Medvedev's nomination to the office of prime minister was approved by the State Duma in a 299–144 vote.[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/putin-hands-medvedev-prime-minister-role-amidst-sustained-unrest/article2425960/ Putin hands Medvedev prime minister role amidst sustained unrest] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422124724/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/putin-hands-medvedev-prime-minister-role-amidst-sustained-unrest/article2425960/ |date=22 April 2016 }}. The Globe and Mail (8 May 2012). Retrieved 10 May 2012.{{better source needed|date=December 2022}}

File:Ministru prezidents Valdis Dombrovskis tiekas ar Krievijas premjerministru Dmitriju Medvedevu (8622388984).jpg, April 2013]]

Medvedev took office as prime minister of Russia also on 8 May 2012, after President Vladimir Putin signed the decree formalising his appointment to the office.{{cite web |url=http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_05_08/74129865/ |title=Medvedev becomes Russia's PM |work=Voice of Russia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512095926/http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_05_08/74129865/ |archive-date=12 May 2013 |access-date=10 May 2012 |language=en}}

On 19 May 2012, Dmitry Medvedev took part in the G-8 Summit at Camp David, in the United States, replacing President Putin, who decided not to represent Russia in the summit. Medvedev was the first prime minister to represent Russia at a G-8 meeting. On 21 May 2012, his Cabinet was appointed and approved by the president. On 26 May, he was approved and officially appointed as the chairman of United Russia, the ruling party. Earlier in the same week Medvedev officially joined the party and thereby became Russia's first prime minister affiliated to a political party.{{cite web |url=http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_05_26/76058862/ |title=United Russia to face reforms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512095941/http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_05_26/76058862/ |archive-date=12 May 2013 |date=26 May 2012 |work=The Voice of Russia |language=en}}

In the wake of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula. On 31 March 2014, Medvedev visited Crimea after the peninsula became part of Russia on 18 March. During his visit he announced the formation of the Federal Ministry for Crimea Affairs.{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-03/31/c_133227959.htm |title=Russia creates ministry for Crimean affairs |work=Xinhuanet |access-date=31 March 2014 |archive-date=2 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202114040/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-03/31/c_133227959.htm |url-status=dead |language=en}}

{{main|Dmitry Medvedev's Second Cabinet}}

File:Dmitry Medvedev in the State Duma 2018-05-08.jpg

On 7 May 2018, Dmitry Medvedev was nominated as prime minister by Vladimir Putin for another term.{{cite web |url=https://rg.ru/2018/05/07/putin-vnes-v-gosdumu-kandidaturu-medvedeva-na-post-premer-ministra.html |title=Путин внес в Госдуму кандидатуру Медведева на пост премьер-министра |website=Российская газета |date=7 May 2018 |access-date=7 May 2018 |archive-date=8 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508061444/https://rg.ru/2018/05/07/putin-vnes-v-gosdumu-kandidaturu-medvedeva-na-post-premer-ministra.html |url-status=live}} On 8 May, Medvedev was confirmed by the State Duma as prime minister, with 374 votes in favour.{{cite news |url=http://www.interfax.ru/russia/611832 |script-title=ru:Госдума согласилась на назначение Медведева главой правительства РФ |work=Интерфакс |date=8 May 2018 |access-date=8 May 2018 |language=ru |archive-date=9 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509110017/http://www.interfax.ru/russia/611832 |url-status=live}} On 15 May, Putin approved the structure and on 18 May the composition of the Cabinet.{{cite news |url=http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/57475 |script-title=ru:Указ "О структуре федеральных органов исполнительной власти" |work=Kremlin.ru |date=15 May 2018 |access-date=15 May 2018 |language=ru |archive-date=15 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515182750/http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/57475 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.kremlin.ru/acts/news/57495 |script-title=ru:Президент подписал указы о составе нового Правительства |work=Kremlin.ru |date=18 May 2018 |access-date=18 May 2018 |language=ru |archive-date=18 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518183122/http://www.kremlin.ru/acts/news/57495 |url-status=live}}

In March 2017, discontentment was triggered through Medvedev's depiction in an investigative film by the Anti-Corruption Foundation titled He Is Not Dimon to You. This sparked demonstrations in central Moscow, with the crowd chanting "Medvedev, resign!" as well as "Putin is a thief!"{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/russian-police-arrest-protesters-at-nationwide-anti-corruption-rallies/2017/03/26/11208e46-10a1-11e7-aa57-2ca1b05c41b8_story.html |title=Russian police arrest anti-corruption leader Navalny, hundreds more in nationwide rallies |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=26 March 2017 |access-date=22 January 2020 |archive-date=6 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606031524/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/russian-police-arrest-protesters-at-nationwide-anti-corruption-rallies/2017/03/26/11208e46-10a1-11e7-aa57-2ca1b05c41b8_story.html |url-status=live}} In the summer of 2018, country-wide protests took place against the retirement age hike introduced by Medvedev's government. The plan was unexpectedly announced by the government on 14 June, which coincided with the opening day of the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosted by Russia.{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-14/russia-plans-to-raise-retirement-age-increase-value-added-tax |title=World Cup gives Russia cover for unpopular pension-age increase |last1=Biryukov |first1=A. |last2=Andrianovа |first2=A. |work=Bloomberg |date=14 June 2018 |access-date=17 June 2018 |archive-date=17 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617220004/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-14/russia-plans-to-raise-retirement-age-increase-value-added-tax |url-status=live |language=en}} As a result of the demonstrations, the ratings of Medvedev as well as President Putin significantly declined. Following the 2019 Siberia wildfires, Medvedev proposed revising regulatory acts on extinguishing fires in regions, and instructed to consult with foreign experts in developing proposals to fight with wildfires.{{cite web |url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/671117 |script-title=ru:Медведев предложил пересмотреть понятие "зон контроля" природных пожаров |trans-title=Medvedev proposed revising the concept of "control zones" of wildfires |date=31 July 2019 |work=Interfax |access-date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729235830/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/671117 |url-status=live |language=ru}}

Medvedev, along with his entire Cabinet, resigned on 15 January 2020 after Putin delivered the Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly, in which he proposed several amendments to the constitution. Medvedev stated that he was resigning to allow President Putin to make the significant constitutional changes suggested by Putin regarding shifting power away from the presidency.{{cite news |title=Russian prime minister and government resign after Putin speech |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-politics-government/russian-prime-minister-and-government-resign-after-putin-speech-idUSKBN1ZE1RB |access-date=18 January 2020 |work=Reuters |date=15 January 2020 |archive-date=17 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117201731/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-politics-government/russian-prime-minister-and-government-resign-after-putin-speech-idUSKBN1ZE1RB |url-status=live |language=en}} Medvedev said that the constitutional changes would "significantly change Russia's balance of power".{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/dmitry-medvedev-resign-russia-prime-minister-putin-quit-latest-a9284741.html |title=Russian PM resigns in shock move as Putin announces dramatic constitutional shake-up |date=15 January 2020 |website=The Independent |access-date=17 January 2020 |archive-date=20 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120043435/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/dmitry-medvedev-resign-russia-prime-minister-putin-quit-latest-a9284741.html |url-status=live |language=en}}{{cite web |date=15 January 2020 |title=Russia's government resigns as Putin offers spot on Security Council to Medvedev |url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2020/01/15/russia-s-government-resigns-as-putin-offers-spot-on-security-council-to-medvedev |access-date=14 October 2021 |website=Meduza |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181031/https://meduza.io/en/news/2020/01/15/russia-s-government-resigns-as-putin-offers-spot-on-security-council-to-medvedev |url-status=live}} Putin accepted the resignation.{{cite web |last=Roth |first=Andrew |date=15 January 2020 |title=Russian government quits as Putin plans to stay in power past 2024 |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/15/putin-calls-for-constitution-changes-that-would-weaken-successor |access-date=14 October 2021 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008144329/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/15/putin-calls-for-constitution-changes-that-would-weaken-successor |url-status=live}}

Although Medvedev had ostensibly resigned voluntarily (part 1 of Article 117 of the constitution),{{cite web |url=https://klops.ru/news/2020-01-15/207044-pravitelstvo-rossii-ushlo-v-otstavku-pochemu-eto-proizoshlo-i-chto-oznachaet |title=Правительство России ушло в отставку: почему это произошло и что означает |date=15 January 2020 |access-date=20 January 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729220746/https://klops.ru/news/2020-01-15/207044-pravitelstvo-rossii-ushlo-v-otstavku-pochemu-eto-proizoshlo-i-chto-oznachaet |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://tass.ru/info/7528951 |title=История отставок правительства России |access-date=20 January 2020 |archive-date=15 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115224651/https://tass.ru/info/7528951 |url-status=live}} the Executive Order that was released stated that Putin had dismissed the cabinet as per Article 83 (c) and part 2 of Article 117 of the constitution.{{cite web |url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62587 |title=Executive Order on the Government of the Russian Federation |website=en.kremlin.ru |date=15 January 2020 |access-date=19 January 2020 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116011946/http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62587 |url-status=live}}Article 117. 1. The Government of the Russian Federation may offer to resign and the President of the Russian Federation either shall accept or reject the resignation. 2. The President of the Russian Federation may take a decision on the resignation of the Government of the Russian Federation. Kommersant reported that the use of these sections revealed that it was Putin who had sacked Medvedev and that the resignation was not voluntary but forced, since these sections give power to the president to dissolve the government without explanation or motivation.{{cite news |title=За налоги перед отечеством |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4220791 |access-date=20 January 2020 |work=Коммерсантъ |quote=Immediately after the delivery of the address and consultations with the president, Dmitry Medvedev said that the government would resign itself – Vladimir Putin immediately accepted this resignation, also in words. ... The presidential decree issued in the evening meant that it was Vladimir Putin who resigned the government, and not Dmitry Medvedev and the government who resigned themselves: the president referred to paragraph "c" of art. 83 and paragraph 3 of article 117 of the same Constitution of the Russian Federation, according to which he can dissolve the government without explanation and motivation. |archive-date=18 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118155630/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4220791 |url-status=live}}

Putin suggested that Medvedev take the post of Deputy Chairman of the Security Council.

File:Farewell to Vladimir Zhirinovsky 33.jpg on 8 April 2022]]

On 16 January 2020, Medvedev was appointed to the post of Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia.{{cite web |url=http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62595 |title=Подписан Указ о Заместителе Председателя Совета Безопасности Российской Федерации |website=Президент России |date=16 January 2020 |access-date=18 January 2020 |archive-date=17 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117050906/http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62595 |url-status=live}} His monthly salary was set at 618,713 rubles (8,723.85 USD).{{cite web |url=https://news.mail.ru/politics/40399388/ |title=Медведев будет получать 618 713 рублей в месяц на новой работе |first=Новости |last=Mail.ru |date=30 January 2020 |website=Новости Mail.ru |access-date=9 July 2020 |archive-date=12 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712220205/https://news.mail.ru/politics/40399388/ |url-status=live}} In a July 2020 interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda, Medvedev said he retains "good friendly relations" with President Putin, which was in contrast with the opinion of many circles that his departure from the role of prime minister was a result of a rift in the domestic policies of the two.{{cite web |url=https://tass.com/politics/1176473/amp |title=Ex-PM Medvedev says he has 'good friendly relations' with Putin |website=tass.com |access-date=9 July 2020 |archive-date=13 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713203751/https://tass.com/politics/1176473/amp |url-status=live}}

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Medvedev has "reinvented himself as an arch-hawk", making a series of "shocking and provocative statements"{{Cite news |title=Dmitry Medvedev in His Own Words: From Modernizing Liberal to Hateful Hawk |website=Russia Matters |url=https://www.russiamatters.org/analysis/dmitry-medvedev-his-own-words-modernizing-liberal-hateful-hawk |access-date=2023-05-01}}{{Cite news |title=Russia's Ex-Leader says Arrest of Putin Abroad Would be 'Declaration of War' |language=en |work=Kyiv Post |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/14716 |access-date=2023-05-01}} and "thinly veiled threats" of war against Western countries.{{Cite news |last=Mackinnon |first=Amy |title=The Fall and Fall of Dmitry Medvedev |language=en-US |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/06/23/fall-dmitry-medvedev-russia-war-hawk/ |access-date=2023-05-01}} International analysts have described this turn as an attempt by the "once mild-mannered Medvedev" to "cover his back and shore up his political future" during the turmoil brought on by the war and Russia's increasingly nationalistic and hawkish political climate.

In February 2022, after Russia was suspended from the Council of Europe due to its invasion of Ukraine, and subsequently announced its intention to withdraw from the organization, Medvedev stated that while the decision to suspend Russia was "unfair", it was also a "good opportunity" to reinstate the death penalty in Russia.{{cite web |last=Times |first=The Moscow |date=10 March 2022 |title=Russia Quits Europe's Rule of Law Body, Sparking Questions Over Death Penalty |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/10/russia-quits-europes-rule-of-law-body-sparking-questions-over-death-penalty-a76854 |access-date=14 March 2022 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Dmitry Medvedev vows to reintroduce death penalty |url=https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/security/2022/02/dmitry-medvedev-calls-russia-reintroduce-death-penalty |access-date=14 March 2022 |website=The Independent Barents Observer |date=26 February 2022 |language=en}}

According to a poll conducted by the state-owned VTsIOM polling agency in June 2022, more than 68.3% of Russians surveyed said they did not trust Medvedev. A source close to the Kremlin told Meduza that "Medvedev has influence, but compared to the status of prime minister, his influence has greatly diminished."{{cite news |title='Everything he does is meant to avoid suspicion' What the hell happened to Dmitry Medvedev? |url=https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/06/28/everything-he-does-is-meant-to-avoid-suspicion |work=Meduza |date=28 June 2023}} Ben Noble, associate professor of Russian Politics at University College London, said that "In order to stay relevant – and safe – [Medvedev] has attempted to be even more hawkish than many existing hawks."{{cite news |title=How Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's former president, went from perceived pro-West reformer to virulent warmonger since the invasion of Ukraine |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ex-russian-president-medvedev-became-key-warmonger-since-ukraine-invasion-2023-1 |work=Business Insider |date=20 March 2023}}

In November 2022, Medvedev called the Russians who fled Russia after the invasion "cowardly traitors" and said that Russia was "stronger and cleaner" without them.{{cite news |title=Russia's Medvedev Rails Against 'Traitors' Who Fled Country |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/russia-s-medvedev-rails-against-traitors-who-fled-country-01667551207 |work=Barron's |date=4 November 2022}} On 28 December 2022, he further said that the emigrants who were opposed to the war should be labeled "enemies of society" and barred from returning to Russia.{{cite news |title=Medvedev Calls for Recent Russian Emigres to Be Banned From Returning |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/12/28/medvedev-calls-for-recent-russian-emigres-to-be-banned-from-returning-a79824 |work=The Moscow Times |date=28 December 2022}} Medvedev called for the use of death squads against politically active Russian exiles.{{cite news |last1=Soldatov |first1=Andrei |title=How the Kremlin Is Taking Aim at its Russian Critics in Exile |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/01/16/how-the-kremlin-is-taking-aim-at-its-russian-critics-in-exile-a79958 |work=The Moscow Times |date=16 January 2023}}

On 23 March 2023 Medvedev turned his attention inwards, to domestic defence firms. He said to top factory managers: "If you breach your duty before the Motherland, I will destroy you as criminals who forget their honor and interests of the Motherland. I want you to hear me and remember the Generalissimo [Stalin]'s words. As you understand, the results were quite impressive, and if there were none you understand what happened."{{cite news |last1=ISACHENKOV |first1=VLADIMIR |title=Russia's Security Chief Blasts West, Dangles Nuclear Threats |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/news-services/ap/20230324-99289/ |agency=Associated Press |publisher=The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun |date=24 March 2023}}

File:2022-02-21. Заседание Совета Безопасности Российской Федерации 15.jpg meeting on 21 February 2022]]

In February 2022, after sanctions had been imposed on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, Medvedev stated that Russia did not need diplomatic relations with the West and that the sanctions imposed on the country gave it good reason to pull out of dialogue on nuclear stability and potentially New START.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-no-longer-needs-diplomatic-ties-with-west-ex-president-medvedev-2022-02-26/ |title=Russia doesn't 'especially need' diplomatic ties with West – ex-president Medvedev |website=Reuters |date=26 February 2022}}

In April 2022, he addressed the global food crisis, caused in part by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying that Russia would supply food and agriculture products only to "friendly" countries. He said that Russia has many friends and they are not in Europe and North America.{{cite news |title=Putin ally warns agriculture supplies could be limited to 'friends |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/putin-ally-warns-agriculture-supplies-could-be-limited-friends-2022-04-01/ |work=Reuters |date=1 April 2022}} In June 2022, Munich Security Conference Chairman Christoph Heusgen called Medvedev "a clown."{{cite news |title=Major think tank head insults former Russian president |url=https://www.azerbaycan24.com/en/major-think-tank-head-insults-former-russian-president/ |work=Azərbaycan24 |date=19 June 2022}}

On 6 July 2022, Medvedev wrote on Telegram that it would be "crazy to create tribunals or courts for the so-called investigation of Russia's actions", claiming the idea of "punishing a country that has one of the largest nuclear potentials" may potentially pose "a threat to the existence of humanity". Medvedev accused the United States of creating "chaos and devastation around the world under the guise of 'true democracy'", concluding his message by saying "the US and its useless stooges should remember the words of the Bible: 'Judge not, lest you be judged; so that one day the great day of His wrath will not come to their house, and who can stand?'"{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/07/russia-ukraine-live-updates.html |title=Russia says the West risks the 'wrath' of God if it punishes Moscow over the war; heavy weapons start to have an impact |author1=Holly Ellyatt |website=CNBC |access-date=7 July 2022 |date=7 July 2022}}

File:House on Bohatyrska Street after shelling of 14 March 2022 (01).jpg after Russian shelling on 14 March 2022. Medvedev expressed strong support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.]]

On 27 July 2022, Medvedev shared a map on Telegram, described as predictions of "Western analysts", showing Ukraine, including its occupied territories, mostly absorbed by Russia, as well as Poland, Romania and Hungary.{{Telegram|medvedev_telegram/150}}{{cite web |date=2022-07-27 |title=Medvedev dreams of the collapse of Ukraine and showed a "map" |url=https://odessa-journal.com/medvedev-dreams-of-the-collapse-of-ukraine-and-showed-a-map/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=The Odessa Journal |language=en-US}}

In September 2022 Medvedev said that any weapons in Russia's arsenal, including strategic nuclear weapons, could be used to protect territories annexed to Russia from Ukraine. He also said that referendums organized by Russia-installed and separatist authorities would take place in large swathes of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, and that there was "no turning back".{{cite news |date=2022-09-22 |title=Russia's Medvedev: new regions can be defended with strategic nuclear weapons |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-medvedev-strategic-nuclear-weapons-can-be-used-defend-new-regions-2022-09-22/}}{{Telegram|medvedev_telegram/203}} Later that month he said that Russia had the right to defend itself with nuclear weapons and that this was "certainly not a bluff". Reuters interpreted this as a threat to carry out a nuclear strike against Ukraine. The same month, Politico claimed that Medvedev's reversal of his formerly conciliatory views towards the West was to "shed his image as Putin's less-evil twin by posing as a nuclear madman", and reported that many Russians who read his Telegram channel were mocking him for it.{{cite news |last1=Faulconbridge |first1=Guy |last2=Davis |first2=Caleb |title=Medvedev raises spectre of Russian nuclear strike on Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-medvedev-warns-west-that-nuclear-threat-is-not-bluff-2022-09-27/ |publisher=Reuters |date=27 September 2022}}

On 4 November 2022 on the occasion of Russia's Day of National Unity state holiday, Medvedev thought that Russia "was fighting a sacred battle against Satan" who uses "intricate lies. And our weapon is the truth. That is why our cause is right. That is why victory will be ours!". The Ukrainians were "crazy Nazi drug addicts" backed by Westerners who he said had "saliva running down their chins from degeneracy".{{cite news |title=Medvedev: Russia is fighting a sacred battle against Satan |url=https://orthodoxtimes.com/medvedev-russia-is-fighting-a-sacred-battle-against-satan/ |publisher=Orthodox Times |date=4 November 2022}}{{cite news |title=Russia Fighting 'Sacred' Battle Against Satan, Medvedev Says |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/32115565.html |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=4 November 2022}}{{Cite news |title=Medvedev: US is forcing support of Ukrainian 'Nazi regime' |language=en-US |url=https://www.jpost.com/international/article-738737 |access-date=2023-05-01}}

File:Operation Upshot-Knothole - Badger 001.jpg.{{cite news |title=Medvedev warns of nuclear war if Russia defeated in Ukraine |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/19/medvedev-warns-of-nuclear-war-if-russia-defeated-in-ukraine |work=Al Jazeera |date=19 January 2023}}]]

In November 2022 Medvedev was quoted as saying on his Telegram app channel that the Ukrainian desire to recapture the territory it had lost to Russia in the annexations "is a threat to the existence of our state and of a dismemberment of today's Russia", and "direct reason" to use Russia's nuclear weapons; something the reporter termed "worrying language".{{cite news |last1=KUZNETSOV |first1=SERGEI |title=Ukrainians prep for a possible Russian nuclear attack |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukrainians-prep-for-a-possible-russian-nuclear-attack-putin-war-radiation-zelenskyy-ukraine-russia/ |publisher=POLITICO |date=7 November 2022}} In the same month another journalist quoted him as saying "Russia, for obvious reasons, has not yet used its entire arsenal of possible weapons, equipment and munitions. And did not attack all possible enemy targets located in populated areas. And not only from our inherent human kindness. Everything has its time."{{cite news |title=After "difficult decisions", Medvedev again threatens with an arsenal of weapons |url=https://news.yahoo.com/difficult-decisions-medvedev-again-threatens-140520643.html?guccounter=1 |agency=Ukrainska Pravda |publisher=Yahoo News |date=12 November 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Porter |first1=Tom |title=Putin ally Medvedev says Russia hasn't used all its weapons yet in Ukraine, a hint at its nuclear arsenal after another major loss |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/medvedev-hints-russian-nukes-ukraine-war-continues-to-go-badly-2022-11 |agency=Business Insider |publisher=Insider Inc |date=14 November 2023}}

On 21 December 2022, Medvedev visited Beijing and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. They discussed strengthening the "strategic partnership" between Russia and China and the war in Ukraine.{{cite news |title=Russia's Medvedev meets China's Xi in Beijing, says Ukraine conflict discussed |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-medvedev-meets-chinas-xi-beijing-discuss-strategic-partnership-ukraine-2022-12-21/ |work=Reuters |date=21 December 2022}}

On 27 December 2022, in reaction to "wild" and "absurd" theories regarding to Russia's future, Medvedev published a list of predictions for 2023 and after on Twitter. In his list, he stated that the United Kingdom would return to the EU and will cause its fracture afterwards. He also stated that both Poland and Hungary will occupy the western regions of a formerly existing Ukraine. After these predictions, he stated that a Fourth Reich will be established in Germany and will encompass within its territory and as its satellites, Poland, the Baltic states, Czech Republic, Ukraine and "other outcasts". He then predicted war would break out between France and the Fourth Reich of Germany with Europe being divded by their support in the belligerents and said Poland would be repartisioned. After that, he stated that Northern Ireland would secede from the United Kingdom and join the Republic of Ireland. Medvedev then stated that a civil war will break out in the United States, and that California and Texas will secede to form independent states and eventually become an allied state. He then stated that Elon Musk would win the 2024 U.S. presidential election and would give his won electorates to the GOP after the civil war's end. After this, he stated that all the largest stock markets and financial activity will relocate from the U.S. and Europe to Asia. He completed his list of predictions by stating that the Bretton Woods system will collapse and lead to the crash of the IMF and World Bank, with digitial fiat currencies replacing the Euro and USD as the global reserve currencies.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-27 |title=Russia's Medvedev: 'Fourth Reich' to be made up of Germany, Poland |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-725916 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2022-12-27 |title=EX- Russian President Medvedev gives his 'predictions' on Twitter: Fall of EU, civil war in US |url=https://www.france24.com/en/video/20221227-ex-russian-president-medvedev-gives-his-predictions-on-twitter-fall-of-eu-civil-war-in-us |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=France 24 |language=en}}

File:Flag map California yellow background.gif would break out in the United States and California would declare independence.]]

On 14 January 2023, in response to Japanese PM Fumio Kishida making a joint statement with US President Joe Biden condemning a hypothetical Russian use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, Medvedev accused Kishida of "shameful subservience" to the United States and suggested Kishida should ritually disembowel himself by seppuku to atone.{{cite news |title=Russian ex-President Medvedev says Japanese PM should disembowel himself |url=https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/world/russian-ex-president-medvedev-says-japanese-pm-should-disembowel-himself/ar-AA16lekQ?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=953e313f26c74510d56225c9348ebbde |agency=Reuters |publisher=Microsoft |date=14 January 2023}}{{cite news|title=Russia's Medvedev says Japanese PM should disembowel himself|access-date=1 May 2023|work=Al Jazeera|date=14 January 2023|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/14/russias-medvedev-says-japanese-pm-should-disembowel-himself}}

On 4 February 2023, he warned that "all of Ukraine that remains under Kyiv's rule will burn" after the United States promised to send longer-range rockets that would double Ukraine's strike range.{{cite news |title=Russia's Medvedev says more U.S. weapons supplies mean 'all of Ukraine will burn' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-medvedev-says-more-us-weapons-supplies-mean-all-ukraine-will-burn-2023-02-04/ |work=Reuters |date=4 February 2023}}

On 24 February 2023 Medvedev was thinking of unilaterally changing the borders of Poland.{{cite news |last1=Osborn |first1=Andrew |last2=Davis |first2=Caleb |title=Medvedev floats idea of pushing back Poland's borders |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-medvedev-floats-idea-pushing-back-polands-borders-2023-02-24/ |publisher=Reuters |date=24 February 2023}} On 14 April 2023 Medvedev threatened Poland with dissolution: "I do not know who will win or lose this war, but, considering Poland's role as a NATO outpost in Europe, the country will most likely cease to exist, together with its stupid Prime Minister."{{cite news |title=Poland to disappear in case of war between Russia, NATO, Medvedev believes |url=https://tass.com/politics/1604511 |publisher=TASS |date=14 April 2023}}

On 20 March 2023, in response to the ICC issuing a warrant for Putin, Medvedev posted on Telegram saying that "It is quite possible to imagine a hypersonic missile being fired from the North Sea from a Russian ship at The Hague courthouse".{{Cite web |last=Jankowicz |first=Mia |title=Russia's former president suggested firing a hypersonic missile at The Hague after Putin's ICC arrest warrant: 'Look carefully into the sky' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/medvedev-suggests-russia-bombs-the-hague-after-putin-arrest-warrant-2023-3 |access-date=2023-03-20 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}} Medvedev threatened that Russia would nuke any country that tried to arrest Putin, and singled out Germany in particular, saying that "All our missiles, et cetera, would fly to the Bundestag, to the Chancellor’s office’."{{cite news |title=Medvedev says Russia will nuke any country that tries to arrest Putin |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/independentpremium/world/dmitry-medvedev-putin-arrest-war-ukraine-map-b2306569.html |work=The Independent |date=24 March 2023}} Swedish diplomat Carl Bildt wrote on Twitter that "Even by the standards of the Putin regime, this man is distinctly unhinged."{{cite news |title='Bastards and scum': Ex-Russian President Medvedev broadcasts dark Kremlin ambitions |url=https://news.yahoo.com/bastards-and-scum-ex-russian-president-medvedev-broadcasts-dark-kremlin-ambitions-171440926.html?guccounter=1 |work=Yahoo! News |date=8 August 2022}}

On 8 April 2023, Medvedev said that Ukraine will "disappear" as "no one needs it". He claimed that neither Europe nor the United States, Africa, Latin America or Asia need Ukraine and called the current Ukrainian state "a misunderstanding generated by the collapse of the USSR."{{cite news |title=Former Russian President Medvedev insists Ukraine will disappear 'since no one needs it' |url=https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/04/08/former-russian-president-medvedev-insists-ukraine-will-disappear-since-no-one-needs-it/ |work=EuroWeekly News |date=8 April 2023}} He said the Kremlin does not need "parts of Russia named as Ukraine in 1991," it instead needs "Big Great Russia."{{cite news |title=Ukraine will 'disappear' as 'no one needs it,' says top Russian security official |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/ukraine-will-disappear-as-no-one-needs-it-says-top-russian-security-official/2867092 |work=Anadolu Agency |date=8 April 2022}}

File:Vladimir Putin's 2023 Address to the Federal Assembly (1).jpg, Volodin and other prominent figures of the Putin regime during Putin's Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly on 21 February 2023]]

On 19 April 2023 Medvedev promised South Korea that Russia would arm North Korea with its weapons if South Korea armed Ukraine.{{cite news |last1=STARR |first1=MICHAEL |title=Russia will give weapons to North Korea if South Korea helps Ukraine - Medvedev |url=https://www.jpost.com/international/article-739748 |publisher=The Jerusalem Post |date=20 April 2023}}

In April 2023, Medvedev said in connection with the imposition of sanctions by Britain on five Russian citizens related to the sentencing of Russian human rights activist Vladimir Kara-Murza: "To spit on their decisions. Britain was, is and will be our eternal enemy. In any case, until their impudent and disgustingly damp island goes into the abyss of the sea from the wave created by the latest Russian weapons system."[https://www.gazeta.ru/politics/news/2023/04/21/20263627.shtml www.gazeta.ru:Медведев заявил, что Британия «была, есть и будет вечным врагом» России] In May 2023, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that "Medvedev should drink less vodka before going on Telegram."{{cite news |title=Stop drunken shitposting, Ukraine tells top Russian official |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/stop-drunk-post-social-media-ukraine-russia-dmitry-medvedev-dmytro-kuleba/ |work=Politico |date=10 May 2023}}

On 21–23 May 2023, he visited Vietnam and met with Vietnam's Communist Party chief Nguyễn Phú Trọng. They discussed the strengthening of ties between Russia and Vietnam and the current international situation.{{cite news |title=Party chief Trong meets United Russia leader Medvedev |url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/party-chief-trong-meets-united-russia-leader-medvedev-4608394.html |work=VnExpress |date=22 May 2023}}

On 25 May, Dmitry Medvedev said, during his visit to Vietnam, that he believed that the war with Ukraine could last a "very long time, most likely decades". He further said "As long as there is such a power in place (in Ukraine), there will be, say, three years of truce, two years of conflict, and everything will be repeated."{{Cite news |date=2023-05-25 |title= Putin ally says Ukraine war could last for decades - RIA agency |language=en-GB |work=Reuters|url= https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-ally-says-ukraine-war-could-last-decades-ria-agency-2023-05-26/ |access-date=2023-05-26}}

On 3 July 2023, Medvedev said that the Russian confrontation with the West will continue for decades and that its conflict with Ukraine could become permanent.{{Cite news |last=Osborn |first=Andrew |date=2023-07-03 |title=Russia's Medvedev says standoff with West to last decades, Ukraine conflict 'permanent' |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-medvedev-says-standoff-with-west-last-decades-ukraine-conflict-permanent-2023-07-03/ |access-date=2023-10-02}}

On 30 July 2023, Medvedev warned that Russia would have to use a nuclear weapons if the Ukrainian counter-offensive against Russian forces in Russia-occupied southeastern Ukraine was successful, saying "Imagine if the ... offensive, which is backed by NATO, was a success and they tore off a part of our land, then we would be forced to use a nuclear weapon." He was referring to the Russian nuclear doctrine which allows for the use of nuclear weapons in response to aggression against Russia carried out using conventional weapons which threatens the existence of the state.{{cite news |title=Russia's Medvedev: We'd have to use a nuclear weapon if Ukrainian offensive was a success |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/russia-s-medvedev-we-d-have-to-use-a-nuclear-weapon-if-ukrainian-offensive-was-a-success-20230731-p5dsh5.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=31 July 2023}}{{cite news |title=Graham warns Russian nuclear attack on Ukraine would be an attack on NATO |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4129937-graham-warns-russian-nuclear-attack-on-ukraine-would-be-an-attack-on-nato/ |work=The Hill |date=31 July 2023}}

File:Waving the Ukrainian flag.jpg

In August 2023, he stated that "Russia must destroy and fully dismantle the Ukrainian state that is a terrorist in its essence... Should it take years or even decades, then so be it. We have choice: either we will destroy their hostile political regime, or the collective West will eventually tear Russia to pieces."{{cite news |title=Russia-Ukraine war may last decades, West's support will dry up soon: Former Kremlin leader Dmitry Medvedev |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-may-last-decades-wests-support-will-dry-up-soon-former-kremlin-leader-dmitry-medvedev/articleshow/102872967.cms?from=mdr |work=The Times of Israel |date=20 August 2023}}

In September 2023, Medvedev said that Russia will not defend Armenia from the Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, while strongly criticizing Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for "[flirting] with NATO" and "defiantly going to [Russia's] enemies with cookies".{{cite news |title=Russia's Medvedev Signals that Russia Will Not Support Armenia Against Azerbaijan Offensive |url=https://theatlasnews.co/conflict/2023/09/19/russias-medvedev-signals-that-russia-will-not-support-armenia-against-azerbaijan-offensive/ |work=The Atlas News |date=19 September 2023 |archive-date=19 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919173753/https://theatlasnews.co/conflict/2023/09/19/russias-medvedev-signals-that-russia-will-not-support-armenia-against-azerbaijan-offensive/ |url-status=live}} This comes despite Russia and Armenia both being members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization mutual defense pact and Russia stationing several thousand soldiers in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh as peacekeepers.{{cite web |last1=Tenisheva |first1=Anastasia |title=As Nagorno-Karabakh Fighting Flares, Moscow's Role as Security Guarantor Questioned |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/09/19/as-nagorno-karabakh-fighting-flares-moscows-role-as-security-guarantor-questioned-a82512 |website=The Moscow Times |date=19 September 2023 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920072143/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/09/19/as-nagorno-karabakh-fighting-flares-moscows-role-as-security-guarantor-questioned-a82512 |url-status=live}}

On 1 October 2023, Medvedev said that any British soldiers who are training Ukrainian troops on Ukrainian soil would become legitimate targets for Russian forces as well as German factories producing Taurus missiles should they supply the Ukrainian military. He then said that "these morons (NATO leaders) are actively pushing us towards World War III."{{Cite news |date=2023-10-01 |title=Russia could target any British soldiers training troops in Ukraine, Medvedev says |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-medvedev-says-british-training-troops-ukraine-could-be-legitimate-2023-10-01/ |access-date=2023-10-02}}

On 9 October 2023, he claimed that Western weapons "given to the neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine" were used in the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel.{{cite news |last1=Smirnov |first1=Oleg |title=Russian Propaganda Seizes on West's 'Double Standards' as Israeli Strikes Pound Gaza |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/10/24/russian-propaganda-seizes-on-wests-double-standards-as-israeli-strikes-pound-gaza-a82850 |work=The Moscow Times |date=25 October 2023}} He wrote in an article for the newspaper Izvestia that the Gaza war is a "cruel war without rules. A war based on terror and the doctrine of disproportionate use of force against the civilian population."{{cite news |title=Three Putin allies warn of imminent 'world war', 'global jihad' against West |url=https://www.wionews.com/world/three-putin-allies-warn-of-imminent-world-war-global-jihad-against-west-649168 |work=WION |date=20 October 2023}}

On 2 November 2023, the pro-governmental Russian newspaper Rossiiskaia gazeta published Medvedev's 8,000 word article, which identifies Poland as a 'dangerous enemy' to Russia and as a former imperial country wishing to regain its empire.[https://rg.ru/2023/11/02/rossiia-i-polsha-zametki-k-4-noiabria.html Дмитрий Медведев (заместитель председателя Совета безопасности РФ). 2023. Россия и Польша: заметки к 4 ноября Польша: мегаломания, комплекс неполноценности и фантомные боли несостоявшейся империи. Российская газета. 2 Nov.] In this text Medvedev forewarns Poland that it risks 'losing its sovereignty.' He states that because the western and northern one-third of today's Poland consists of former German territories that Stalin 'gifted' to Warsaw after 1945, Moscow may 'reclaim' these territories.[https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-ally-warns-enemy-poland-you-risk-losing-your-statehood-2023-11-02/ Putin ally warns 'enemy' Poland: you risk losing your statehood. 2023. Reuters. 2 Nov.][https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/11/3/7426977/ Medvedev is again drawn to threaten Poland. 2023. Ukrainska Pravda. 3 Nov.][https://politicstoday.org/putin-ally-medvedev-warns-poland-of-grave-consequences/ Putin Ally Medvedev Warns Poland of Grave Consequences. 2023. Politics Today. 3 Nov.] What is more, Medvedev denigrated Poland as 'the hyena of Europe' and predicted that, apart from finding itself in military conflict with Russia and Belarus, the country would also launch a Third World War.[https://tass.com/politics/1700959 Poland at risk of direct confrontation with Russia, Belarus — Medvedev. 2023. TASS. 2 Nov.]

On 12 January 2024 Medvedev wrote in response to Rishi Sunak's recent visit to Kyiv, in order to sign a security agreement with Zelensky, that "I hope that our eternal enemies - the arrogant British - understand that deploying an official military contingent to Ukraine would be a declaration of war against our country."{{cite news |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-01-12/russias-medvedev-says-any-uk-troop-deployment-to-ukraine-would-be-a-declaration-of-war}}

On 17 January 2024 Medvedev said on his Telegram app channel that "The existence of Ukraine is mortally dangerous for Ukrainians. And I don’t mean only the current state … I'm talking about any, absolutely any Ukraine." He described Ukraine as "historical Russian territories.. Neither Ukraine’s association with the EU, nor even the entry of this artificial country into NATO will prevent [a new conflict]."{{cite news |last1=Eruygur |first1=Burc |title=Russia's Medvedev says 'existence of Ukraine is mortally dangerous for Ukrainians' |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/russia-ukraine-war/russias-medvedev-says-existence-of-ukraine-is-mortally-dangerous-for-ukrainians/3111211 |publisher=Anadolu Agency |date=17 January 2024}} Medvedev also publicly wrote that "Ukraine is NOT a country, but artificially collected territories" and that Ukrainian "is NOT a language" but a "mongrel dialect" of Russian.{{cite web |last1=Karatnycky |first1=Adrian |title=What a Russian Victory Would Mean for Ukraine |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/12/19/ukraine-russia-war-stalemate-victory-congress-military-aid/ |website=Foreign Policy |date=19 December 2023}} Moreover, Medvedev has said that Ukraine should not exist in any form and that Russia will continue to wage war against any independent Ukrainian state.{{cite news |title=Putin Ally Says There's '100 Percent' Chance of Future Russia-Ukraine Wars |url=https://www.newsweek.com/putin-ally-says-theres-100-percent-chance-future-russia-ukraine-wars-1861639 |work=Newsweek |date=17 January 2024}} According to Medvedev, the "existence of Ukraine is fatally dangerous for Ukrainians and that they will understand that life in a large common state is better than death. Their deaths and the deaths of their loved ones. And the sooner Ukrainians realize this, the better".{{cite web |title=Russia Bans Ukrainian in Occupied Territory Schools, Medvedev Posts 'Genocidal' Tirade |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/26896 |website=Kyiv Post |date=18 January 2024}}

Medvedev verbally attacked the Russian-born commander of Ukraine's armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, saying "Disgust for a man who was a Soviet Russian officer, but became a Bandera traitor, who broke his oath and serves the Nazis, destroying his loved ones. May the earth burn under his feet!"{{cite news |title=Moscow calls Ukraine's new Russian-born army chief a traitor, says he won't win |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moscow-calls-ukraines-new-russian-born-army-chief-traitor-says-he-wont-win-2024-02-09/ |work=Reuters |date=9 February 2024}} On 22 February 2024, Medvedev described the future plans of Russia in the Russian invasion of Ukraine when he claimed that the Russian Army will go further into Ukraine, taking the southern city of Odesa and may again push on to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, and stated that "Where should we stop? I don't know".{{cite web |title=Russia to bite off much more of Ukraine, Putin ally Medvedev says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-bite-off-much-more-ukraine-putin-ally-medvedev-says-2024-02-22/ |website=Reuters |date=22 February 2024}} On 4 March 2024, Medvedev made a speech in which he described Ukraine as part of Russia,{{cite news |title=Putin ally says 'Ukraine is Russia' and historical territory needs to 'come home' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-ally-says-ukraine-is-definitely-russia-rules-out-talks-with-zelenskiy-2024-03-04/ |work=Reuters |date=4 March 2024}} and spoke in front of a large map showing Russia in control of most of the country, with western Ukraine partitioned between Poland, Hungary and Romania.{{cite news |title='Ukraine Is, of Course, Russia:' Putin Ally |url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-medvedev-borders-putin-1875515 |work=Newsweek |date=4 March 2024}}

File:Dmitry Medvedev and his wife Svetlana Medvedeva.jpg

Medvedev is married and has a son, Ilya Dmitrevich Medvedev (born 1995). His wife, Svetlana Vladimirovna Medvedeva, was both his childhood friend and school sweetheart. They married several years after their graduation from secondary school in 1982.{{in lang|ru}} [http://factnews.ru/article/medved_4/ Из школы, где учился Дмитрий Медведев, похищены его фото] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213235120/http://factnews.ru/article/medved_4/ |date=13 December 2007 }} Factnews.ru

Medvedev is a fan of British hard rock, listing Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, and Deep Purple as his favourite bands. He is a collector of their original vinyl records and has previously said that he has collected all of the recordings of Deep Purple.[https://www.theguardian.com/russia/article/0,,2225307,00.html Putin's Purple reign man] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221112400/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/dec/10/russia |date=21 February 2022 }} Guardian Unlimited, 10 December 2007 As a youth, he made copies of their records, even though these bands were then on the official state-issued blacklist.[https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aMJ1kLC.c6Pw&refer=home Medvedev Will Run Russia to Tune of Hard-Rock Band Deep Purple] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908160349/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aMJ1kLC.c6Pw&refer=home |date=8 September 2008 }}. Retrieved 8 March 2008. In February 2008, Medvedev and Sergei Ivanov attended a Deep Purple concert in Moscow together.Times Online. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3359828.ece How Deep Purple conquered the Kremlin in night of metal mayhem] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220021012/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3359828.ece |date=20 February 2008 }}

During a visit to Serbia, Medvedev received the highest award of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Order of St. Sava, for "his contribution to the unity of the world Orthodoxy and his love to the Serbian people."{{cite web |url=http://www.mospat.ru/en/2009/10/21/news6825/ |title=Russian President Dmitry Medvedev awarded by the Serbian Orthodox Church: Department for External Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church |publisher=Mospat |date=21 October 2009 |access-date=28 September 2010 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721130826/http://www.mospat.ru/en/2009/10/21/news6825/ |url-status=live}}

Medvedev jogs, plays chess, and practices yoga. Among his hobbies are reading the works of Mikhail Bulgakov and he is also a fan of the Harry Potter series after asking J. K. Rowling for her autograph when they met during the G-20 London Summit in April 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.mosnews.com/culture/2009/04/03/harrypotter/ |title=Russian President Harry Potter fan, asks for Rowling's autograph |publisher=Mosnews |access-date=28 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526102750/http://www.mosnews.com/culture/2009/04/03/harrypotter/ |archive-date=26 May 2010}} He is also a fan of football and follows his hometown professional football team, FC Zenit Saint Petersburg.[http://www.itar-tass.com/txt/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12169689&PageNum=0 Nicholas II, FC Zenit, Black Sabbath – Medvedev's favorite things] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304134323/http://www.itar-tass.com/txt/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12169689&PageNum=0 |date=4 March 2008 }}, ITAR-TASS, 11 December 2007.

File:Dmitry Medvedev with Deep Purple 23 March 2011-1.jpeg in 2011]]

Medvedev is an avid amateur photographer. In January 2010, one of his photographs was sold at a charity auction for 51 million rubles (US$1,750,000), making it one of the most expensive ever sold.{{cite web |url=http://lenta.ru/news/2010/01/18/photo/ |title=Снимок Медведева стал четвертым в списке самых дорогих фотографий мира |publisher=Lenta |access-date=28 September 2010 |archive-date=8 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508051223/https://lenta.ru/news/2010/01/18/photo/ |url-status=live}} The photo was purchased by Mikhail Zingarevich, a co-founder and member of the board of directors of the Ilim Group at which Medvedev worked as a lawyer in the 90s.[https://themoscowtimes.com/news/medvedevs-photo-outdoes-putins-painting-49533 Medvedev's Photo Outdoes Putin's Painting] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018062508/https://themoscowtimes.com/news/medvedevs-photo-outdoes-putins-painting-49533 |date=18 October 2017 }}, The Moscow Times, 18 January 2010

Medvedev's reported 2007 annual income was $80,000, and he reported approximately the same amount as bank savings. Medvedev's wife reported no savings or income. They live in an upscale apartment house Zolotye Klyuchi in Moscow.[http://en.novayagazeta.ru/politics/8615.html "187 Following tax statements by the presidential contenders"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303184910/http://en.novayagazeta.ru/politics/8615.html |date=3 March 2014 }}. Novayagazeta. Retrieved 27 February 2014 Despite this supposedly modest income, a video by anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrwlk7_GF9g |title=Он вам не Димон |date=2 March 2017 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=28 March 2017 |archive-date=28 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328021257/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrwlk7_GF9g |url-status=live}} purports to show "the vast trove of mansions, villas and vineyards accumulated" by Medvedev.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/for-this-russian-dissident-holding-putin-accountable-was-almost-deadly--twice/2017/03/19/d1010aa6-0a66-11e7-b77c-0047d15a24e0_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=For this Russian dissident, holding Putin accountable was almost deadly — twice |first=Jackson |last=Diehl |date=19 March 2017 |access-date=28 March 2017 |archive-date=22 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322215944/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/for-this-russian-dissident-holding-putin-accountable-was-almost-deadly--twice/2017/03/19/d1010aa6-0a66-11e7-b77c-0047d15a24e0_story.html |url-status=live}}

On the Russian-language Internet, Medvedev is sometimes associated with the Medved meme, linked to padonki slang, which resulted in many ironic and satirical writings and cartoons that blend Medvedev with a bear (the word medved means "bear" in Russian, and the surname "Medvedev" is a patronymic which means "of the bears"). Medvedev is familiar with this phenomenon and takes no offence, stating that the web meme has the right to exist.[http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2007/11/02/001.html A Soft-Spoken, 'Smart-Kid' Lawyer] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122080505/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2007/11/02/001.html |date=22 November 2008 }}, The Moscow Times, 2 November 2007.{{in lang|ru}} [http://lenta.ru/news/2007/03/05/medved/ Дмитрий Медведев: учите олбанский!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217190718/http://www.lenta.ru/news/2007/03/05/medved/ |date=17 December 2007 }}, Lenta.ru, 5 March 2007.{{in lang|ru}} [http://www.polit.ru/event/2007/12/10/medvedev1.html Превед, Медвед] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616042105/http://www.polit.ru/event/2007/12/10/medvedev1.html |date=16 June 2011 }}, Polit.ru, 18 December 2007.{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/759f1b8e-a789-11dc-a25a-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1 |title=Medvedev palatable to Russian liberals and western states |work=Financial Times |date=11 December 2007 |language=en}}

Medvedev speaks English, in addition to his native Russian,{{cite web |title=Medvedev speaks English / Медведев говорит на английском |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86oL5WjeiDw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/86oL5WjeiDw |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live |website=YouTube | date=12 August 2009 |access-date=21 July 2017}}{{cbignore}} but during interviews he speaks only Russian.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7970525.stm |title=Medvedev shows media-savvy side |date=29 March 2008 |work=BBC |access-date=31 March 2009 |archive-date=13 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113225303/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7970525.stm |url-status=live |language=en}}

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury added Medvedev to its list of persons sanctioned pursuant to {{Executive Order|14024}} in April 2022;Office of Foreign Assets Control. "[https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/18/2022-08183/notice-of-ofac-sanctions-actions Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions]." Published 2022-0418. {{Federal Register|87|23023}} he was also later sanctioned by New Zealand.{{cite web |title=Russia Sanctions Regulations 2022 |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2022/0074/latest/LMS659655.html |access-date=11 February 2023}}{{primary source inline|date=October 2023}}

He was sanctioned by the UK government in 2022 in relation to Russo-Ukrainian War.{{cite web |title=Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets in the UK |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1150217/Russia.pdf |access-date=16 April 2023}}

On 23 May 2016, during a visit to Feodosia in the annexed Crimea, Medvedev was pummeled by questions from disgruntled locals who complained about their Russian pensions not being indexed to the rising cost of living.{{cite web | url =https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-medvedev-crimea-visit-no-money-social-media-pensioner/27754644.html|title=Medvedev's Awkward Crimea Moment: 'There's Just No Money. But You Take Care!' |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty| date=24 May 2016| accessdate =19 January 2024}} Medvedev replied in a dismissive manner and hastily retreated, giving rise to the "there's no money, but hang in there" meme.

Two years later, a plan for pension reform by the Second Medvedev cabinet spurred the Russian pension protests.

{{see also|2017–2018 Russian protests}}

File:Anti-Corruption Rally in Saint Petersburg (2017-03-26) 12.jpg

In September 2016, opposition leader Alexei Navalny published a report with information about Dmitry Medvedev's alleged summer residence ("dacha") – an 80 hectare estate with a plethora of houses, a ski run, a cascading swimming pool, three helipads and purpose-built communications towers. The estate even included a house for ducks, which received public ridicule and led to ducks becoming a protest symbol in Russia a year later.

{{cite news

|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-03-28/the-yellow-rubber-duck-is-a-potent-protest-symbol

|title=The Yellow Rubber Duck Is a Potent Protest Symbol

|newspaper=Bloomberg

|date=28 March 2017

|access-date=5 April 2017

|archive-date=7 April 2017

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407204502/https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-03-28/the-yellow-rubber-duck-is-a-potent-protest-symbol

|url-status=live

}} The area is surrounded by a six-foot (1.82 meter) fence and is allegedly 30 times the size of the iconic Red Square in Moscow.

{{cite news

|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/medvedev-forgets-cares-of-office-at-a-350m-estate-on-the-volga-9xnczxt38

|title=Medvedev forgets cares of office at £350m estate on the Volga

|publisher=The Times UK |access-date=5 April 2017

|last1=Moscow

|first1=Marc Bennetts

|archive-date=6 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406021722/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/medvedev-forgets-cares-of-office-at-a-350m-estate-on-the-volga-9xnczxt38

|url-status=live}} This summer residence is an expensively renovated 18th-century manor called {{ill|Milovka Estate|ru|Миловка (усадьба)|vertical-align=sup}}, located in Plyos on the bank of the Volga River.{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/e83878a6-e249-11e2-a7fa-00144feabdc0 |title=The dacha of my dreams |work=Financial Times |date=5 July 2013 |access-date=5 April 2017 |archive-date=6 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406023511/https://www.ft.com/content/e83878a6-e249-11e2-a7fa-00144feabdc0 |url-status=live}}

In March 2017, Navalny and the Anti-Corruption Foundation published another in-depth investigation of properties and residences used by Medvedev and his family. A film titled He Is Not Dimon To You shows how Medvedev allegedly owns and controls large areas of land, villas, palaces, yachts, expensive apartments, wineries and estates through complicated ownership structures involving shell companies and foundations.{{cite web |url=https://svenska.yle.fi/artikel/2017/03/03/ny-anklagelse-fran-aleksej-navalnyj-premiarminister-medvedev-inblandad-i |title=Ny anklagelse från Aleksej Navalnyj: "Premiärminister Medvedev inblandad i korruption" |date=3 March 2017 |publisher=Yle Nyheter |access-date=5 April 2017 |language=sv |archive-date=6 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406022127/https://svenska.yle.fi/artikel/2017/03/03/ny-anklagelse-fran-aleksej-navalnyj-premiarminister-medvedev-inblandad-i |url-status=live}} Their total value is estimated at around US$1.2 billion. The report states that the original source of wealth is gifts by Russian oligarchs and loans from state owned banks. He Is Not Dimon To You was released together with the report. A month after release, the video had more than 24 million views.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrwlk7_GF9g |script-title=ru:Он вам не Димон |publisher=Alexei Navalny on YouTube |access-date=5 April 2017 |language=ru |archive-date=28 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328021257/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrwlk7_GF9g |url-status=live |date=2 March 2017 }} Medvedev dismissed the allegations, calling them "nonsense".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39490293 |title=Corruption claims 'nonsense' – Russian PM Medvedev |work=BBC News |date=4 April 2017 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-date=2 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202004739/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39490293 |url-status=live}} These revelations have resulted in large protests throughout Russia. Russian authorities responded by arresting protesters in unauthorised protests—hundreds were arrested including Alexei Navalny, which the government called "an illegal provocation".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39398305 |title=Russia protests: Opposition leader Navalny and hundreds of others held |work=BBC News |date=27 March 2017 |access-date=27 March 2017 |archive-date=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327000222/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39398305 |url-status=live}} An April 2017 Levada poll found that 45% of surveyed Russians supported the resignation of Medvedev."[https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-04-26/russian-polls-do-mean-something-after-all Russian Polls Do Mean Something After All] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426173824/https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-04-26/russian-polls-do-mean-something-after-all |date=26 April 2017 }}". Bloomberg. 26 April 2017.

File:Dmitry Medvedev videoblog 30 November 2008.ogg posted after his visit to Latin America in November 2008]]

Medvedev wrote two short articles on the subject of his doctoral dissertation in Russian law journals. He is also one of the authors of a textbook on civil law for universities first published in 1991 (the 6th edition of Civil Law. In 3 Volumes. was published in 2007). He is the author of a university textbook, Questions of Russia's National Development, first published in 2007, concerning the role of the Russian state in social policy and economic development. He is also the lead co-author of a book of legal commentary entitled, A Commentary on the Federal Law "On the State Civil Service of the Russian Federation". This work considers the Russian Federal law on the civil service,{{in lang|ru}} [http://www.garant.ru/law/12036354-000.htm Законы РФ / Федеральный закон от 27 июля 2004 г. N 79-ФЗ "О государственной гражданской службе Российской Федерации" (с изменениями от 2 февраля 2006 г., 2 марта, 12 апреля, 1 декабря 2007 г.)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080204213230/http://www.garant.ru/law/12036354-000.htm |date=4 February 2008 }}, Garant Database of Laws with Commentary. which went into effect on 27 July 2004, from multiple perspectives — scholarly, jurisprudential, practical, enforcement- and implementation-related.{{cite web |url=http://www.ozon.ru/context/detail/id/356970/ |title=Дмитрий Анатольевич Медведев |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023081803/http://www.ozon.ru/context/detail/id/356970/ |archive-date=23 October 2012 |work=Ozon.ru |language=ru}}

In October 2008, President Medvedev delivered the first podcast at the presidential website.{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Luke |author-link=Luke Harding |date=7 October 2008 |title=Medvedev broadcasts first Kremlin podcast |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/oct/07/russia |access-date=15 October 2021 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=23 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023232412/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/oct/07/russia |url-status=live}} His videoblog posts have also been posted in the official LiveJournal community blog_medvedev[http://lenta.ru/news/2009/04/21/blogmedvedev/ Дмитрий Медведев завел ЖЖ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423052607/http://www.lenta.ru/news/2009/04/21/blogmedvedev/ |date=23 April 2009 }} – Lenta.ru

On 23 June 2011, Medvedev participated in launching of the "Eternal Values" project of RIA Novosti state-operated news agency together with Russian chapter of Wikimedia Foundation. RIA Novosti granted free Creative Commons licences to one hundred of its images, while Medvedev registered as Dmitry Medvedev for RIAN and personally uploaded one of those photographs to Wikimedia Commons.{{cite news |url=http://www.rian.ru/news_company/20110623/391887496.html |title=Медведев запустил проект, открывающий доступ к фотоархиву РИА Новости |date=23 June 2011 |agency=RIA Novosti |access-date=30 June 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627053903/http://www.rian.ru/news_company/20110623/391887496.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/RIA_Novosti_celebrates_70th_anniversary_and_gifts_images_to_Wikimedia |title=RIA Novosti celebrates 70th anniversary, uploads 100 images to Wikimedia Commons |date=23 June 2011 |agency=WikiNews |access-date=30 June 2011 |archive-date=24 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624153343/http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/RIA_Novosti_celebrates_70th_anniversary_and_gifts_images_to_Wikimedia |url-status=live}}

On 13 April 2009, Medvedev gave a major interview to the Novaya Gazeta newspaper. The interview was the first one he had ever given to a Russian print publication and covered such issues as civil society and the social contract, transparency of public officials and Internet development.{{cite web |last=Whitmore |first=Brian |date=14 April 2009 |title=Novaya Gazeta Scores Presidential Interview |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/Novaya_Gazeta_Scores_Presidential_Interview/1608683.html |access-date=14 October 2021 |website=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |archive-date=29 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174009/https://www.rferl.org/a/Novaya_Gazeta_Scores_Presidential_Interview/1608683.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Muratov |first=Dmitry |author-link=Dmitry Muratov |date=14 April 2009 |title=Декларация Медведева. Год 2009 |trans-title=Declaration of Medvedev. Year 2009 |url=https://novayagazeta.ru/articles/2009/04/15/43159-deklaratsiya-medvedeva-god-2009 |access-date=14 October 2021 |website=Novaya Gazeta |language=ru |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181556/https://novayagazeta.ru/articles/2009/04/15/43159-deklaratsiya-medvedeva-god-2009 |url-status=live}}

• {{cite book |title=President Dmitry Medvedev |last1=Medvedev |first1=Dmitry |year=2012}} Photo book.

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book |last=Black |first=J. L. |title=The Russian Presidency of Dmitry Medvedev, 2008–2012: The next step forward or merely a time out? |publisher=Routledge |year=2015}}
• {{cite book |last1=Medvedev |first1=Dmitry |title=President Dmitry Medvedev |year=2012}} Photo book.
• {{cite book |last=Sakwa |first=Richard |title=The Crisis of Russian Democracy: Dual State, Factionalism and the Medvedev Succession |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-14522-0 |year=2011}}
• {{cite book |last1=Svanidze |first1=Nikolai |last2=Svanidze |title=Medvedev |first2=Marina |publisher=Amfora |location=Saint Petersburg |year=2008 |isbn=978-5-367-00743-5}}
• {{cite book |last=Treisman |first=Daniel |title=The Return: Russia's Journey from Gorbachev to Medvedev |publisher=Free Press |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4165-6071-5 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/returnrussiasjou0000trei}}
• {{cite book |editor1-last=White |editor1-first=Stephen |title=Developments in Russian Politics 7 |year=2010 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |location=New York |isbn=978-0-230-22449-0}}

{{refend}}

{{sister project links|c=Category: Dmitry Medvedev|d=yes|q=yes|n=yes|s=yes|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|species=no}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120723041614/http://eng.da-medvedev.ru/ Personal website]
• [http://blog.da-medvedev.ru/ Personal video-blog] {{in lang|ru}}
• [http://www.premier.gov.ru/en Official site] of the Prime Minister of Russia
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090430140149/http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/sdocs/vappears.shtml Video blogs]
• [http://vk.com/dm Official profile] of Medvedev at VK
• {{C-SPAN|1027246}}

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