Tens of thousands of Russians have defied a government crackdown to march in demonstrations across the country.
Tens of thousands of Russians have defied a government crackdown to march in demonstrations across the country.
More than 30,000 people are estimated to have taken part in a protest march through the streets of Moscow on a national holiday, Russia Day.
The ABC reports it was the largest opposition demonstration since Vladimir Putin assumed office for his third term as president.
Former deputy premier Boris Nemtsov repeated accusations that Mr Putin stole the presidential elections in March by fraud.
In a national address, Mr Putin described the demonstrations as disruptive.
"We cannot accept anything that weakens our country and divides society," he said.