Putin claims win in regional elections

TOMSK, Russia, March 14 (UPI) -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin claimed victory Monday in the country's regional elections.

Speaking in the Siberian city of Tomsk, he told RIA Novosti the returns from Sunday's voting were "more than satisfying" for the United Russia party, which he heads.

"United Russia received not less, but even slightly more support than in 2007" and won all regions, Putin said.

Putin said he still has not decided whether to lead the United Russia list in the parliamentary elections due in December.

About 3,200 local elections were held across Russia Sunday.