Putin may 'return' to Kremlin in 2009

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin could return to the presidency next year, a Russian newspaper reported yesterday citing a source close to the Kremlin, but Putin's spokesman said the report was untrue.

A proposal on Wednesday by President Dmitry Medvedev to extend the presidential term from four to six years has re-ignited speculation that Putin, who stepped down this year because of a term limit, could be preparing a comeback.

Vedomosti newspaper reported that the proposed term extension was part of a plan drawn up by Vladislav Surkov, Medvedev's first deputy chief of staff, to trigger an early presidential election in which Putin would run.