TODAY: ‘Energy tsar’ Sechin regains to directorship of Rosneft; Putin draws ex-ministers into presidential circle; bill on greater fines for protestors tentatively approed; Moscow city authorities start turf war with protestors; Poland cautions Russia on NATO’s European defense plans; population growth

It has been reported that Prime Minister Medvedev has signed a decree to appoint Igor Sechin, who was left out of yesterday’s cabinet, as chairman of the Rosneft Board of Directors, a position he formerly occupied.  The decision has confirmed that arch Putin ally Sechin will play a powerful role in the new administration, says Reuters.  Bloomberg offers an analysis of his return, if indeed, he ever really went away.  President Putin has appointed seven former cabinet ministers to posts in the Russian presidential administration, indicating, as Brian Whitmore points out here, ‘[t]he ruling elite remains intact and real power — as it has always been with the exception of Medvedev’s presidency — will be concentrated in the Kremlin.’  Why are women underrepresented among Russia’s political elite?