Putin, who gave no public response to the protest Saturday, initially derided the demonstrators as paid agents of the West.

In the wake of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s rule tainted with fraud and misleading policies, as per the public opinion. Numerous protestors across Russia protested against his rule. And he has earned criticism from all quarters including the former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Gorbachev called on Putin and advised him not to seek a third term as president next year. He told the Moscow Echo radio: "I would advise Vladimir Putin to leave now. He has had three terms: two as president and one as prime minister. Three terms – that is enough."

Tens of thousands of Russians jammed a Moscow avenue Saturday to demand free elections and an end to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's 12-year rule, in the largest show of public outrage since the protests 20 years ago that brought down the Soviet Union. Gone was the political apathy of recent years as many shouted "We are the Power!"

He urged Putin to follow his example and give up power peacefully, saying Putin would be remembered for the positive things he did if he stepped down now. The former Soviet leader, who has grown increasingly critical of Putin, has little influence in Russia today. He added "I'm happy that I have lived to see the people waking up. This raises big hopes.” The ruling United Russia party won less than half the vote in the elections and lost 77 seats as fatigue has set in with the rule of Putin who, if re-elected as president, could stay in power until 2024.