The wife of murdered ex-FSB agent Alexander Litvinenko says international protests against Vladimir Putin on the last day of the Russian election were "beautiful".
Thousands of people arrived at polling stations in Russia and in capitals worldwide at midday yesterday to take part in a peaceful protest against his re-election.
Marina Litvinenko told Sky News that while the "Noon Against Putin" action may not having been "damaging" for the president, it "was very special to see people inside and outside of Russia doing something and believe... they are against Putin".
"This protest is beautiful and we all here in the West can see people against Putin. But it doesn't change Putin's regime," she said.
Asked what citizens inside Russia say about Mr Putin's leadership, Ms Litvinenko said people are "scared to say anything".
"People look like hostages and it's like a Stockholm syndrome. They are just trying to live their life," she added.
She said those who attended the anti-Putin protests showed they were "not frightened" despite the threat of punishment.
