Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has visited a remote Russian region to mobilize supporters ahead of the presidential election in March 2012.
Putin and the ruling United Russia party have faced protests in large cities against alleged fraud in the December 4 parliamentary elections.
However, in Tyva, a region bordering Mongolia, Putin was greeted by cheering crowds on December 19.
Putin hammered a golden spike at a spot outside the capital Kyzyl to mark the start of construction of Tyva's first railroad which will link the region, known for its wildlife and natural resources, to the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Putin and the ruling United Russia party have faced protests in large cities against alleged fraud in the December 4 parliamentary elections.
However, in Tyva, a region bordering Mongolia, Putin was greeted by cheering crowds on December 19.
Putin hammered a golden spike at a spot outside the capital Kyzyl to mark the start of construction of Tyva's first railroad which will link the region, known for its wildlife and natural resources, to the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Reuters