As tensions rise in Russia many question the authenticity of Mikhail Prokhorov's presidential bid.
Prokhorov told reporters on December 12 that he is trying to tap into the disgruntled young middle class that Putin nurtured in his 12-year rule but which is now clamoring for greater political rights. It took only an hour for news of Mikhail Prokhorov's surprise bid for the presidency to be written off on blogs as a Kremlin ruse to siphon off votes from would-be challengers to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.