Russian elections

Russia election: Kremlin queries legality of boycott call

The Kremlin says a call by opposition leader Alexei Navalny for a boycott of the 2018 presidential election needs to be checked to see whether it is legal.

Mr Navalny's comments came after he was barred from competing in next March's vote because of a corruption conviction which he says is politically motivated.

The Kremlin's suggestion could be a hint of potential repercussions for Mr Navalny, correspondents say.

Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin has been formally nominated as candidate.

Athletes, musicians, celebrities and others met in Moscow to form the 500-strong support group that independent candidates like Mr Putin require to be registered.

Mr Putin did not turn up to his nomination event with the Kremlin saying his agenda was too busy for him to attend.