RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin yesterday agreed to head Russia’s ruling party in a significant shift of the political landscape three weeks before he hands power to successor Dmitry Medvedev.

Putin, who leaves the Kremlin after two terms May 7, also confirmed he would become prime minister under Medvedev.

“With gratitude I accept the proposal of the party members and their leadership.... I am ready to take on the additional responsibility and head United Russia,” he told a party congress in Moscow after being urged to take the post.

The 55-year-old ex-KGB officer’s announcement, carried live on state-run television, signaled a reordering of Russia’s political mix on the eve of Medvedev’s presidential debut.

Becoming head of the partywill now hugely strengthen Putin’s status as prime minister.(SD-Agencies)