Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted the leadership of the dominant United Russia party April 15, securing his grip on power after he leaves the Kremlin and becomes prime minister in May.

He was quickly approved as leader in a unanimous vote during a party congress that mixed promises of a bright Russian future with traditions from the Soviet past.

Putin's decision to lead United Russia, announced just three weeks before he cedes the presidency to his hand-picked successor, Dmitry Medvedev, left little doubt that he intends to remain at the forefront for years to come.