Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's growing political stature is increasing the possibility that he will stand for re-election in 2012 in spite of widespread assumptions that Vladimir Putin will return, according to a Kremlin adviser.

Mr Medvedev and Mr Putin, who is prime minister, will have to decide by the autumn of 2010 which of them would run for president in 2012, Gleb Pavlovsky, a political consultant and adviser to the president, told the Financial Times. A prompt decision was important to avoid signs of disagreement and to prepare for a proper election campaign.