US hails 'step forward' for Russia
Washington welcomes the results of Russia's national elections, in which pro-government forces made significant gains.

Poll boost for Russian PM
Russian parliamentary elections give a major boost to prime minister Putin and the man he hopes to succeed as president, Boris Yeltsin.

Analysis: Russia's new balance of power
Russia's new parliament may have more in common with the government than the last, but relations could still be difficult.

Analysis: Putin, next stop president?
Results of the Russian general election point to a presidential victory for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin next year, and a pro-reform majority in parliament.

Vladimir Putin: Spy turned politician
Known as the "grey cardinal", Vladimir Putin is a former spy whose popularity rests on Russia's military success in Chechnya.