Russians in thousands give Putin the cold shoulder

By Will Englund and Kathy Lally,
WashPost
Saturday, February 4, 6:57 AM

MOSCOW — Tens of thousands of Russians embraced the numbing cold and marched to a frozen river bank near the Kremlin Saturday, demonstrating their determination to keep up the pressure on Vladimir V. Putin for fair elections and honest government.

Gathering near October Square, about 80,000 protesters marched a half hour away to Bolotnaya Square, flags rippling, balloons bobbing, placards waving, chanting “Russia without Putin” and “The longer we freeze here, the longer they’ll freeze in Siberia.”

The temperature was below zero, which only made the crowd more joyful as well as forceful, as if mere weather could prevent them from showing their disdain for Putin. He is expected to win the March 4 presidential election despite the widespread anger over the December parliamentary elections, which were marred by numerous complaints of violations. But Russians have put him on notice that they are no longer content with authoritarian government.

“Well, it’s winter,” said Marina Kopylov, 34, shrugging off the cold. “Maybe because I’m here something can be changed.”

(More here.)