Putin Will Kill Russia United To Retain Power Base
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin may dissolve his ruling party and create a new power base after next month's presidential vote, according to two people familiar with the plans. United Russia, which Putin set up in 2001 in December lost its two-thirds parliamentary majority. The party would probably have a different name, new logo and new leadership, said the people, who are involved in government discussions about the plan and asked not to be identified because the information isn't public. United Russia spokeswoman Natalia Virtuozova said she was unaware of plans to rebrand the party.