Russian President Vladimir Putin is consolidating and increasing his power as his term in office draws to a close. Putin formally accepted the invitation to become the chairman of the United Russia party, the country's largest political party next month.
Putin said in a speech at the party's national conference in Moscow, broadcast live on state television Tuesday, "I accept the invitation of the part. I am ready to take on myself the additional responsibility and head the party." Putin's protege, Sergei Mevedev, is slated to succeed Putin as president, and has already asked Putin to become Prime Minister.