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MOSCOW — Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced the formation of a new Russian government on Monday, reappointing several top ministers and maintaining the power and prominent roles of members of his inner circle.
Putin, who was barred by the constitution from a third consecutive term as president, became prime minister last week, one day after yielding the presidency to Dmitri A. Medvedev, a longtime aide.
Putin presented the names of his team to the president, who promptly approved them. The announcements re inforced the image that Putin will retain a grip on power and the direction of policy in Russia.
