Who Is Russia`s First Lady?

Svetlana Medvedev, wife of Russian elections favourite, is in charge of her husband's upswing on the political scene.

Russian presidential elections guarantee continuation of popularity for Vladimir Putin, who greatly helped the rise of Dmitry Medvedev with his support. However, many believe Medvedev`s 42-year-old wife Svetlana is most credited for his successful career.

They have been friends since childhood and high school sweethearts.

- In high school, she was the first beauty - a blonde with amazing eyes. Many boys liked her but she chose Dima [Dmitry] - said Vera Smirnova, Dmitry Medvedev's first teacher. They got married a few years after graduation and have a 12-year-old son.

After they got married in 1989, his parents secured the couple with a home, allowing them to use their small apartment.

Svetlana – Kremlin advisor and protector

Svetlana introduced her husband to the business world: he became the director of Pulp Ilim timber company in mid-90s. Once a law lecturer at the University, Dmitry became a successful economist and he soon climbed the political ladder all the way to the top.

Energetic Svetlana coined the contacts that led Dmitry from University to the world of economy. This was a move that linked Medvedev with Putin.

She is expected to remain present in the background of the Kremlin scene once Dmitry becomes president and to be, as she says, a reliable protector.

Always at hand

- He was happy, really, writing books on law and working at the state university in St Petersburg, but she had the contacts from her social life and she pushed him into the timber company. Everything he has done, she has helped and supported him in – a source close to Medvedev says.

Apart from social influence and contacts which introduced Medvedev to the world of economy, Svetlana contributed to his good physical appearance, suggested he tried yoga, gymnastics, swimming and running. With her knowledge and ability she could have succeeded in realising a career of her own, but she decided to help Dmitry instead. Svetlana began doing charity work, for which she was credited by the Orthodox Church and she is also famous in high fashion circles. Medvedev`s wife also runs an educational programme for the young Russian generation.

Despite the fact Medvedev`s opponents say he owns a fortune, his only property amounts to an apartment in Moscow, some land outside the city and a 9-year-old Volkswagen Golf, owned by his wife.