According to Russia's opposition, there is a concern that Vladimir Putin may resort to using force to suppress their protests following the arrest of hundreds of demonstrators challenging his election win. The police detained over 500 people, including opposition leaders, at unauthorized protests in Moscow and St Petersburg. This crackdown is seen as a signal that Putin is growing impatient with those calling for political reforms and will take harsh action if necessary. Opposition leaders fear that Putin's fear of losing power and reliance on police force is becoming evident. Boris Nemtsov and Boris Akunin expressed concerns about the upcoming rally on Saturday, believing it may not go smoothly. He stated that the time for peaceful rallies and marches is over and organizing a march on March 10 would only provoke aggression from the authorities. The police claimed they acted within the law, while Putin's spokesman defended their intervention, stating that the police acted professionally and lawfully in response to both legal and illegal opposition actions. After serving as prime minister for four years, Putin was re-elected as president with nearly 64 percent of the votes in Sunday's election. He previously held the presidency from 2000 to 2008. Despite some reports of violence against protesters, many officers showed restraint while handling the situation, indicating Putin's determination to avoid being portrayed as a dictator who suppresses dissent. The police were said to be focused on preventing casualties at the main protest on Moscow's Pushkin Square, a historic location for dissident protests. However, reports suggest that tougher tactics were used against a group of protesters at Lubyanka Square, in front of the headquarters of the Federal Security Service. Protesters were forcibly removed from the streets of St Petersburg, Putin's hometown, causing concern among foreign investors about potential clashes between police and demonstrators. This could negatively impact the investment climate and hinder reforms necessary to reduce Russia's dependence on energy exports. Russian stocks experienced a significant drop in value after Fitch warned of potential dangers. It seems that Putin is allowing limited protests as a way to release tension among urban dissidents who are disillusioned with his prolonged rule. He could also make conciliatory gestures to pacify the opposition, such as ordering a review of 32 criminal cases, including the imprisonment of former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and the denial of registration for a liberal opposition group. However, Putin, a former KGB spy, will work hard to prevent what he sees as more extreme protesters from challenging his return to the presidency for a third term. Any dissent will be met with strong force. "We observed fear in the ruler's eyes..." "We witnessed vulnerability. We witnessed a man who lacks confidence," said opposition leader Ilya Yashin at the rally in Pushkin Square following Putin's emotional victory speech on Sunday. Yashin questioned the presence of troops and riot police in the capital, asking if war had begun. The US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, expressed concern about the recent arrests and highlighted the importance of freedom of assembly and speech as universal values. In response, Russia's Foreign Ministry criticized him for his comments, stating that Russian police had shown more restraint than US officers handling anti-capitalist protests. The United States and several European countries have called for an independent and credible investigation into voting irregularities in the recent election. International monitors noted some improvements from a previous poll but still found the election to be unfair and heavily skewed in favor of Putin. Russia's Foreign Ministry responded to the observers' report, calling it balanced overall but disagreeing with some criticisms. Many Russians have lost faith in fair elections and hope for change under Putin. Vasilisa Maslova, 35, who works in the fashion industry, stated at Pushkin Square that she used to admire Putin like any woman who appreciates a charismatic man. However, she now believes he is becoming senile and acknowledges that nobody can hold onto power indefinitely.