TODAY: Putin’s new photographer raises eyebrows; Potemkin lawn; worm salad governor out; Troitsky to escape fine; Sochi mascot scandals continue. Belarus cautioned by the Kremlin on media freedom; Moscow plans anti-xenophobia campaign.  Relaxation of US-Russia visa rules; Margelov gives verdict on Libya; Russia backs Ki-Moon.

The Prime Minister’s press office has been forced to justify the most recent addition to Vladimir Putin’s two-man team of photographers.  Yana Lapikova, a former fashion model and Miss Moscow contestant who bloggers suggest has limited photographic skills is apparently ‘a really good photographer.‘   Observers have been quick to point out that Putin may be looking for some tips on how to pose.  The Telegraph reports on the ‘Potemkin Lawn’ the name which has been given to efforts to beautify the town of Pskov for a visit by Vladimir Putin, including the laying of new lawns, which were removed following the Prime Minster’s visit.  Presidential adviser Igor Yurgens has told the Moscow Times that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is unlikely to challenge President Dmitry Medvedev in next year’s presidential elections.  Tver Governor Dmitry Zelenin, who famously angered the Kremlin for complaining online about finding a worm in his salad at a presidential reception, has been ousted from his post.