Final answer:
Vladimir Putin serves as both the head of state and head of government in Russia, holding the title of President of Russia. His position combines the symbolic role of national unity with the executive responsibilities of crafting and implementing national policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The current head of state and head of government in Russia is the same person, Vladimir Putin. Putin holds the title of President of Russia, signifying his role as both the head of state and the head of government. This places him in a powerful position where he is the symbol of national unity, as well as the chief executive responsible for setting policy agendas, crafting legislation, and responding to national issues. The position of President in Russia has evolved over the years, and notably, President Putin changed the structure of regional governance by making the governorship of the oblasts and krais appointed rather than elected positions, thus strengthening the central state's power.
In many countries, the roles of head of state and head of government can be divided between two individuals, where the head of state may have a ceremonial role and the head of government is responsible for the day-to-day running of the country. In a presidential republic, such as Russia, these roles are combined, bestowing a significant amount of political power upon the individual that holds the position. Historically, Russia has had a strong central figure in governance, harkening back to the era of tsars, where the symbolism and power of a singular leader were cemented in the national consciousness.