Vladislav Surkov, known as grey cardinal, was said to be behind Russia's system of 'managed democracy'The mysterious Russian politician credited with building Vladimir Putin's particular brand of governance – masking tight control with pseudo-democratic institutions – has been forced out of government after publicly arguing with the country's increasingly powerful political police.Vladislav Surkov was referred to as the Kremlin's "grey ...

Longtime Kremlin aide Surkov resigns MOSCOW (AP) — Vladislav Surkov, a longtime Kremlin aide considered the architect of the political system created under President Vladimir Putin, has resigned his post of deputy prime minister. Surkov stayed in the Kremlin to work with Dmitry Medvedev when he succeeded Putin as president.