Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (pictured above) has dropped the heaviest hint so far that he aims to return to his former post as President in 2012, a move that could see him still in the Kremlin in 2024 – aged 72. Speaking to a group of international scholars and journalists at his country residence, the Russian PM refused to quash rumours that he would return as president when Dmitry Medvedev finishes his first term. Putin said the process of deciding who would be President would follow the same pattern as in the run-up to the last election, when he effectively called all the shots and picked Medvedev as his successor. An election took place, but the result was a foregone conclusion. Now what a surprise.