Putin: New Russian boss same as the old Russian boss

In an exercise in stating the obvious, outgoing Russian president Vladimir Putin said that the West shouldn't expect an easier time with Russia's new president, Dmitry Medvedev, when he takes office.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West that it would have it no easier under his successor Dmitry Medvedev, who he said would actively defend Russian interests on the world stage.

Mr Putin said he had the feeling some world leaders were waiting for his presidency to end, as they found it uncomfortable to work with a former KGB spy.

But he said Mr Medvedev, who was elected president in the March 2 election but will not take office until May, was a Russian patriot who would defend the country’s interests.

"I do not think our partners will have it easier with him," he said.