Four-hour annual call-in show by Russian Premier finally convinced the world press that Vladimir Putin intends to return to Kremlin in 2012. Foreign journalists concluded that situation in Russia is controlled by him only.

Thus, The New York Times underlines that Putin “certainly did not act like a man in the twilight of his political career.” “He offered a virtuoso performance at his annual question-and-answer, seeking to showcase his status as Russia’s dominant leader and his concern for the average Russian,” the daily reads.

Putin gave “his clearest hint yet that he is preparing to get back his old job as president” in the course of the call-in show, The Guardian says. According to the daily, he is the most popular politician in Russia “and that it is he who actually runs the country.”