President Dmitry Medvedev has added to the uncertainty surrounding Russia's 2012 presidential election, saying he wants a second term but would not stand against his powerful predecessor and now Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin.
With just nine months until the poll, neither Mr Medvedev, 45, nor Mr Putin, 58, have announced their candidacy, amid warnings from business that uncertainty was hurting investment.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Medvedev appeared to dismiss speculation that he and Mr Putin could both stand.
''Vladimir Putin - both my colleague and old friend - and I still largely represent the same political force,'' Mr Medvedev said.