Factbox: What have Putin, Medvedev said about 2012?

(Reuters) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Monday he has yet to decide whether to run for president in 2012. He has given several hints about his future intentions since stepping down as Kremlin chief in 2008 after two terms.

The rules bar a president from serving more than two terms in a row, but Putin would now be free to stand again because his third term would not be consecutive.

President Dmitry Medvedev, Putin's ally and partner, pushed through constitutional changes in 2008 that increase future presidential terms to six years from four, allowing the next president to rule for up to 12 years.

Following are comments from Putin and Medvedev this year about their plans for 2012:

SEPT 6, 2010

* When asked if a running for president in 2012 would damage Russia's political system, Putin cited the example of Franklin Roosevelt who served four terms as president, ruling the United States from 1933 until his death in office in April 1945.

"U.S. President Roosevelt was voted in four times in a row because this did not contradict the American constitution," Putin said.

"Neither I nor President Medvedev will do anything which contradicts current Russian legislation or the country's fundamental law -- the constitution," Putin said.

* AUG 30, 2010

Asked by the Kommersant newspaper whether he was not worried about Russia's 2012 presidential election because he had already decided it, Putin replied:

"No, it interests me like ... I wanted to say like everyone, but in fact more than everyone else. But I don't want to make a fetish out of it."

* APRIL 24, 2010

Medvedev has said he may run for a second term in 2012.

"If this is necessary for my country and for the preservation of the course that has been formed in the last few years ... I do not rule out absolutely anything for myself, including participation in this election," Medvedev said in an interview.

* FEBRUARY 25, 2010

Medvedev refused to give a firm answer on his plans after the 2012 presidential election, saying he would consult Putin about the future.

"No one knows the future. We are both responsible people and we shall together decide what is best for the country," Medvedev said. "Our tandem works well. It is obvious that when the president and the prime minister understand each other then things are always better."

(Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Peter Graff/David Stamp)