TODAY: Putin announces new Cabinet of loyalists; Medvedev to join United Russia; Yabloko leader detained at Duma picket; Nashi to form political party; Russia slams Chicago/Montreal Occupy arrests; ministry spokesman slams outside interference into Magnitsky case.

President Vladimir Putin announced his new Cabinet yesterday, replacing three-quarters of the previous ministers, offering ‘no concessions to opposition demonstrators,’ giving ‘purged ministers’ new positions, and putting his long-term ally Igor Shuvalov as his second-in-command.  Igor Sechin, who was Putin’s energy ‘tsar’ in the previous government, has not been given a position, but will retain his energy role outside of the government.  RFE/RL has compiled a Who’s Who of key new ministers.  The new education minister has already suggested that Russia cut the number of university students receiving money from the state budget.  Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has submitted a request to join the United Russia party.