Russia's lower house of parliament has confirmed Vladimir Putin as prime minister.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, listens to Vladimir Putin during a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the eve of the Victory Day, which is celebrated on May 9th in Russia.
Members of the Duma voted 392-56 in favour of MrPutin's appointment, with the Communists the only faction voting against.
Mr Putin stepped down as president yesterday after eight years in power.
Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in as Russia's new president and the country's third post-Soviet leader yesterday during a glittering ceremony at the Kremlin yesterday.
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Mr Medvedev's first act as president was to nominate Mr Putin as prime minister.
Mr Medvedev paid warm tribute to his predecessor. "I would like to thank Vladimir Putin for his personal support, which I have felt constantly," he said.