Thousands join anti-Putin protests

Thousands of Russians are taking to the streets of Moscow to demand an end to prime minister Vladimir Putin’s rule, challenging his bid to reclaim the presidency in March.

The march across the centre of the capital is the third big anti-Putin demonstration, and is expected to draw tens of thousands despite temperatures plunging to minus 20C (minus 4F).

Two rallies in December became the country’s largest show of public outrage since the protests 20 years ago that brought down the Soviet Union.

The protests have been triggered by evidence of fraud in favour of Mr Putin’s party in December’s parliamentary election.

He has ignored the demands for a repeat election, but he has sought to assuage the mostly urban middle class protesters’ anger by making vague promises of liberalisation.