There are several fundamental differences between Westerns and Russians in how people relate to their governments. In general Russians have a suspicious attitude towards official rhetoric of Politicians. This attitude renders western democratic practices of debates and election campaigns somewhat useless. Many Russians believe that any form of power will eventually distort and corrupt any person of any strength and having a just government is nearly impossible or even not necessary. That it is quite possible to live a full, just, happy life without having a just government. This belief makes it extra hard for proponents who would like to see western style democracy to be the Russian political model.  It is important to remember that the current form of Russian government is still evolving and includes a lot of elements from the previous Soviet system, along with newly adapted western practices.  There are several key persons that have influence to shape the future of Russian political system:

The Dynamic Duo Medvedev and Putin:

One is the President and another one is the Prime Minister. The just may switch the hats in the future.

Ask the President a question:

http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/sdocs/vappears.shtml

Igor Sechin.

This gentleman seems to have a lot of respect from security forces. He is “stay behind the curtains” kind of politician, which of course provides a lot of material for speculations and rumors.His Website:

No known website. When you call the shots in the real world, you don't need a virtual representation.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

Unfortunate oligarch who is currently serving time for fraud.  Russian proverbs states:” It is hard enough to make money but it is even harder to keep the wealth.”  There are plenty of oligarchs in Russia who committed larger frauds but were able to negotiate their status with the government. This one couldn’t. We may never know why. His website in English:

http://www.khodorkovskycenter.com/

Current Official Opposition :

Garry Kasparov.

Brilliant chess player. Advocates for western style democracy to be implemented in Russia. May run for the president in the future but will never win.His website in English:

http://www.kasparov.com/

Eduard Limonov.

Brilliant contemporary writer. He  created another layer of Russian literature that will not be forgotten.  Founder of his own political party. May run for the president in the future but will never win. Radical , hip and now on the facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Edward-Limonov/45448545695