TODAY: Putin defends anti-crisis measures in address to the Duma; earnings revealed; heat on Georgian President; ‘Putler Kaput’ no more; the business of the Orthodox Church examined

Vladimir Putin has presented an historical first performance report by a prime minister before the Duma.  The New York Times examines the emphasis upon spending outlined in the speech, with a priority on social support and tax breaks for businesses.  The Prime Minister is confident that ‘the country will beyond all doubt keep its position as one of the largest economies of the world’.  ‘Don’t attack bankers‘, were his words of advice to Russian lawmakers, according to Bloomberg.  He also commented, ‘the threat of the collapse of the banking system has receded’.  Highlights of the speech are to be found on Reuters.