Russia's Putin accepts presidential nomination

Vladimir Putin accepted his ruling United Russia party's nomination on Sunday as its candidate in a March 4 presidential vote, paving the way for his return to the country's top office after four years as prime minister.

The timing of the announcement, which was a certainty after Putin revealed in September that he planned to return to the Kremlin next year, appeared aimed to give United Russia a boost in a parliamentary election next Sunday amid flagging support. (Reuters)