Putin and Medvedev – Russia's dynamic duo in pictures

Medvedev and Putin, in matching khaki trousers, enjoy a spot of fishing on the Volga in Astrakhan region last month
Photograph: Mikhail Klimentyev/Reuters

The prime minister and president talk over lunch at the presidential residence in Gorki in October 2010
Photograph: Dmitry Astakhov/AFP/Getty Images

Look behind you! Medvedev and Putin take to snowmobiles at the Krasnaya Polyana ski resort in January 2010
Photograph: Dmitry Astakhov/Reuters

Russia's dynamic duo address the crowd at a concert in Red Square in March 2008
Photograph: Vladimir Rodionov/EPA

Looking suitably serious, Medvedev and Putin discuss the situation in South Ossetia at the presidential residence in Gorki in August 2008 Photograph: Ria Novosti/Reuters

Back in relaxation mode, the United Russia linchpins take a breather during a cycle ride around the grounds of the Gorki presidential residence
Photograph: Dmitry Astakhov/AFP/Getty Images

Flanked by war veterans and cadets, Medvedev and Putin watch a military parade in Red Square on Victory Day, May 2011 Photograph: Sergei Karpukhin/Reuters

A table for two in St Petersburg after the 2009 United Russia party congress
Photograph: Dmitry Astakhov/EPA

Putin waves next to a nervous-looking Medvedev on a visit to the Rosa Khutor ski resort in Krasnaya Polyana Photograph: Alexey Druzhinin/AFP/Getty Images

Medvedev and Putin converse after a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, just outside the Kremlin, in June 2011 Photograph: Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP/Getty Images

This informal December 2010 meeting at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi clearly called for informal knitwear Photograph: Vladimir Rodionov/AFP/Getty Images

A joint appearance at the United Russia congress in Moscow Photograph: Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP/Getty Images

'This way to a managed democracy.' Medvedev and Putin take a walk in Zavidovo, Tver region, this month Photograph: Sergei Karpukhin/EPA