The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Politics & World›Politics›Dmitry Medvedev
Politics & World • Politics

Dmitry Medvedev

Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev is a Russian politician and lawyer who served as president of Russia from 2008 to 2012 and as prime minister from 2012 to 2020.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev is a Russian politician and lawyer who served as president of Russia from 2008 to 2012 and as prime minister from 2012 to 2020. Since January 2020, he has served as deputy chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. He is closely associated with Vladimir Putin and has also led the United Russia party.

Early life and education

Medvedev was born in Leningrad in 1965 and graduated from the Faculty of Law of Leningrad State University in 1987. He completed postgraduate studies there in 1990 and earned a PhD in law.

Political career

He rose through Russian political circles and was elected President of Russia in 2008. After serving as president, he became Prime Minister in 2012 and held that office until 2020.

Role after 2020

Following the resignation of his cabinet in January 2020, Medvedev was appointed deputy chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. He has remained a prominent figure in Russian politics in that role.

Public profile

International media and reference sources often describe Medvedev as a close political ally of Vladimir Putin. During his presidency, he was often seen as part of the Russian leadership tandem with Putin.

Key facts

  • Medvedev served as President of Russia from 2008 to 2012 and as Prime Minister from 2012 to 2020.
  • He has been deputy chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation since January 2020.
  • Medvedev has a legal background and holds a PhD in law from Leningrad State University.
  • He is a close ally of Vladimir Putin and has led the United Russia party.
🍁
Canadian context

Medvedev is relevant to Canadian readers primarily through Russia’s role in international affairs, including relations with Canada, sanctions policy, security questions, and global diplomacy.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Dmitry Medvedev?
Dmitry Medvedev is a Russian politician and lawyer who served as president of Russia from 2008 to 2012 and prime minister from 2012 to 2020.
When was Dmitry Medvedev born?
He was born on 14 September 1965 in Leningrad, then part of the Soviet Union.
What office does he hold now?
Since January 2020, Medvedev has served as deputy chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.
What is his educational background?
He studied law at Leningrad State University, graduating in 1987, and completed postgraduate studies there in 1990.
Is Dmitry Medvedev affiliated with a political party?
Yes. He has been associated with United Russia and served as its leader.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dmitry-Medvedev
    Supports: Birth date, identity as a Russian lawyer and politician, presidency from 2008 to 2012, and premiership from 2012 to 2020.
  2. President of Russia — http://en.kremlin.ru/catalog/persons/37/biography
    Supports: Birthplace, education, PhD in law, election as president in 2008, appointment as prime minister in 2012, and appointment as deputy chairman of the Security Council in 2020.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-15047827
    Supports: Biographical profile, close association with Vladimir Putin, legal background, and previous role as head of Gazprom.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dmitry_Medvedev
    Supports: Cabinet resignation in January 2020 and general career chronology.