Dmitry Medvedev
Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev was born on the 14th of September 1965 in Leningrad, then part of the Soviet Union. His parents lived in a small apartment measuring just 40 square meters at 6 Bela Kun Street within the Kupchino district. His father worked as a chemical engineer teaching at the Leningrad State Institute of Technology while his mother taught Russian language and later guided tours at Pavlovsk Palace. The family belonged to what was known as the Soviet intelligentsia class. As a child, teachers described him as a "dreadful why-asker" who spent hours studying encyclopedias after school. He memorized geological periods from the Archean up to the Cenozoic during his third grade years. By fourth and fifth grades he conducted chemistry experiments with elementary equipment. His academic focus shifted when he met Svetlana Linnik in seventh grade, which affected his performance until final exams in 1982 required maximum effort.
In autumn 1982 seventeen-year-old Medvedev enrolled at Leningrad State University to study law instead of linguistics. Fellow students recalled him as correct and diplomatic during debates where he presented arguments firmly without causing offense. After graduating in 1987 alongside associates like Ilya Yeliseyev and Anton Ivanov he pursued graduate studies in civil law. In 1990 he defended his dissertation titled Problems of Realisation of Civil Juridical Personality of State Enterprise earning a Doctor of Juridical Science degree. Anatoly Sobchak served as one of his professors before becoming chairman of the Leningrad City Council in 1990. Sobchak hired Medvedev who had previously managed his election campaign for parliament. When Vladimir Putin joined Sobchak's team as an adviser they began working together closely. By November 1993 Medvedev became legal affairs director at Ilim Pulp Enterprise receiving 20 percent ownership shares. The company grew into Russia's largest lumber business generating around $500 million annually by 2000. He sold those shares in 1999 before entering central government service.
Medvedev launched a wide-ranging modernization programme aimed at reducing reliance on oil and gas revenues while creating a diversified economy based on high technology. His priorities included efficient energy use nuclear technology information technology medical pharmaceuticals and space technology combined with telecommunications. In May 2009 he established the Presidential Commission on Innovation which he personally chaired monthly alongside government members and academic experts. During June 2010 he visited Twitter headquarters in Silicon Valley declaring a mission to bring more innovation investment to Russia. Police reform became another top agenda item following a shooting incident in April 2009 inside a Moscow supermarket. A presidential decree issued on the 24th of December ordered planning for reforms that increased police salaries by 30 percent and cut Interior Ministry personnel. Around 217 billion rubles allocated from the federal budget covered these changes between 2012 and 2013. Anti-corruption measures began when Medvedev signed a decree on the 19th of May 2008 establishing an Anti-Corruption Council. The National Anti-Corruption Plan published July 2008 suggested stricter sanctions including disqualification of officials committing minor offenses. By January 2011 Medvedev admitted failure in fighting corruption despite raising fines up to 500 million rubles.
The long-lingering conflict between Georgia and separatist regions escalated during summer 2008 when South Ossetian forces started shelling villages on the 1st of August. Georgian troops took control of Tskhinvali within hours before Russian military launched counter-offensives early morning the 8th of August. Five days later all Georgian forces were routed from both South Ossetia and Abkhazia. On the 26th of August Medvedev signed a decree recognizing independence for both territories after unanimous State Duma approval. The five-day conflict cost lives of 48 Russian soldiers plus 10 peacekeepers while Georgia lost 170 soldiers and 14 policemen. Following this war Medvedev formulated a foreign policy strategy known as the Medvedev Doctrine emphasizing fundamental international law principles and multipolarity. Meanwhile Russia faced its worst recession history when GDP fell over 8 percent in 2009 due to global financial crisis. Government response included spending over trillion rubles helping troubled banks and lending $50 billion struggling companies. No major banks collapsed though minor failures handled effectively. Economic stabilization occurred 2009 but substantial growth resumed only 2010. Approval ratings dropped from 83 percent September 2008 to 68 percent April 2009 before recovering to 72 percent October 2009.
From beginning of tenure nature of presidency and relationship with Vladimir Putin remained subject to considerable media speculation. Constitutionally powerful president now flanked by highly influential prime minister who also remained country's most popular politician. Journalists quickly dubbed new system government by tandem or tandemocracy calling them ruling tandem. Daniel Treisman argued early in presidency Putin seemed ready disengage starting withdrawal background until external events changed plans. Two threats facing Russia, the 2008 financial crisis and South Ossetia war, caused him resume stronger role politics. Speculation arose whether Medvedev or Prime Minister actually wielded most power according to London Daily Telegraph Kremlin-watchers noting formal address differences. Poll conducted September 2009 by Levada Center showed 13 percent believed Medvedev held most power while 32 percent thought Putin did so. Forty-eight percent believed two shared equal influence levels. Despite attempts affirm position stating I am leader state division based this reality polls suggested otherwise. On the 24th of September 2011 speaking United Russia party congress Medvedev recommended Vladimir Putin as presidential candidate revealing long-ago deal allowing return presidency 2012 after term limits forced standdown 2008.
On the 7th of May 2012 same day ceasing presidency Dmitry Medvedev nominated Vladimir Putin office prime minister. State Duma voted confirmation choosing Medvedev post with 299 votes favoring against 144. He took office also the 8th of May 2012 after President signed decree formalizing appointment. First Cabinet appointed approved president the 21st of May then officially appointed chairman United Russia ruling party the 26th of May becoming first prime minister affiliated political party. During March 2014 visit Crimea announced formation Federal Ministry for Crimea Affairs following peninsula joining Russia the 18th of March. Second term nomination occurred the 7th of May 2018 confirmed State Duma the 8th of May receiving 374 votes favoring. Discontent triggered through investigative film titled He Is Not Dimon to You released Anti-Corruption Foundation February 2017 sparking demonstrations central Moscow chanting Medvedev resign alongside Putin thief claims. Summer 2018 country-wide protests erupted retirement age hike introduced unexpectedly the 14th of June coinciding opening day 2018 FIFA World Cup hosted Russia resulting significant rating declines both leaders. Entire cabinet resigned the 15th of January 2020 allowing constitutional changes shifting power away presidency. Executive Order stated dismissal per Article 83 part 2 of Article 117 constitution indicating forced rather voluntary resignation.
On the 16th of January 2020 Medvedev appointed Deputy Chairman Security Council monthly salary set 618,713 rubles equivalent $8,723.85 USD. Since beginning Russian invasion Ukraine reinvented arch-hawk making series shocking provocative statements thinly veiled threats war Western countries. International analysts described turn attempt once mild-mannered Medvedev cover back shore political future turmoil brought war increasingly nationalistic climate. February 2022 after suspension Council Europe announced intention withdraw organization stated decision unfair good opportunity reinstate death penalty. Poll conducted VTsIOM agency June 2022 showed more than 68.3 percent Russians surveyed said distrust Medvedev. Source close Kremlin told Meduza Medvedev influence compared status prime minister greatly diminished. November 2022 called Russians fleeing country cowardly traitors saying nation stronger cleaner without them supporting death penalty suspected wartime sabotage. December 28 further labeled emigrants opposing war enemies society barred returning calling use death squads politically active exiles. March 23 turned attention domestic defense firms telling factory managers breach duty Motherland destroy criminals forgetting honor interests Generalissimo Stalin words results impressive none understand happened.
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Common questions
When was Dmitry Medvedev born and where did he grow up?
Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev was born on the 14th of September 1965 in Leningrad which is now part of Russia. He grew up in a small apartment measuring just 40 square meters at 6 Bela Kun Street within the Kupchino district.
What major economic reforms did Dmitry Medvedev implement during his presidency from 2008 to 2012?
Medvedev launched a modernization programme aimed at reducing reliance on oil and gas revenues while creating a diversified economy based on high technology. His priorities included efficient energy use nuclear technology information technology medical pharmaceuticals space technology combined with telecommunications.
How long did the 2008 war between Georgia and Russia last and what were the casualties?
The five-day conflict lasted from early morning the 8th of August until all Georgian forces were routed by the 13th of August. The war cost lives of 48 Russian soldiers plus 10 peacekeepers while Georgia lost 170 soldiers and 14 policemen.
When did Dmitry Medvedev announce Vladimir Putin as his successor for the 2012 presidential election?
On the 24th of September 2011 speaking United Russia party congress Medvedev recommended Vladimir Putin as presidential candidate. This revealed a long-ago deal allowing return presidency 2012 after term limits forced standdown 2008.
What happened to Dmitry Medvedev's political influence following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine?
Since beginning Russian invasion Ukraine Medvedev reinvented himself as an arch-hawk making series shocking provocative statements thinly veiled threats war Western countries. Poll conducted VTsIOM agency June 2022 showed more than 68.3 percent Russians surveyed said distrust Medvedev.