Gorbachev: Putin has 'exhausted' his potential

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has "exhausted" his potential as Russia's leader, Mikhail Gorbachev declared Thursday, saying Putin's inability to change the Kremlin's political system might prompt more massive anti-government protests.

Putin - who became prime minister after serving as Russia's president from 2000 to 2008 - is almost certain to become president again during the March 4 election, despite opposition rallies that have been the largest protests Russia has seen since the 1991 Soviet collapse. (AP)