Putin shrugs off poll fraud claims

Vladimir Putin today rejected opposition protests against his presidential election victory and his foreign ministry ruled out any softening of Moscow’s stance on Syria, a strong indication that the Russian leader has no intention of easing tough policies at home or abroad.

The harsh statements came after helmeted riot police forcefully broke up Monday’s opposition attempt to occupy a Moscow square in a challenge to Mr Putin’s victory. They arrested about 250 people who were later released.