Russians protest against Putin - in pictures

Demonstrators gather for a huge rally against Vladimir Putin's rule, in Moscow Photograph: Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP Demonstrators march during a protest in St Petersburg Photograph: Dmitry Lovetsky/AP A protester holding red balloons walks past riot policemen prior to the protest in St Petersburg Photograph: Dmitry Lovetsky/AP People take part in a anti-Putin rally in central Moscow to urge Putin to quit power ahead of 4 March polls Photograph: Andrey Smirnov/AFP Demonstrators wear masks depicting Russian billionaire and presidential candidate Mikhail Prokhorov, left, and Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin at a protest in St Petersburg Photograph: Dmitry Lovetsky/AP Opposition and pro-Putin activists tussle during a demonstration in central Moscow Photograph: Reuters A portrait of Putin with the word 'sacked' is seen taped on a protester's bag Photograph: Reuters An elderly demonstrator speaks with policemen during a massive protest against Putin's rule in St Petersburg Photograph: Dmitry Lovetsky/AP Thousands march in St Petersburg to demand an end to Putin's rule Photograph: Dmitry Lovetsky/AP