Despite a spokesman moving quickly to insist that there are “no disagreements” between Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev, it would appear the two are working at cross purposes in the fight to revitalize the image of Russian business. The Moscow Times reports today that Putin has backed a proposal by the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service to amend the Criminal Code. Amendments would affect company executives “responsible for price collusion and monopolistic activities”, and could raise penalties to up to ten years in prison. Medvedev, on the other hand, has created a mild media sensation by accusing Russian authorities of “causing nightmares” for businesses in what would appear to be a direct response to Putin’s attack last week on steel maker Mechel, causing Bloomberg to publish this piece, excitedly heralding the end of Medvedev’s puppet presidency.