Mr Dmitriev says the dip in the protesters' mood was inevitable.

ECONOMIST: Russia��s presidential election

Mikhail Dmitriev of the Centre for Strategic Research (CSR), who predicted today's stand-off, argues that it has come about because the middle class has emerged as a political force.

ECONOMIST: Putin��s Russia

The regionalisation of politics in Russia is not just a sign of grass-roots activism, says Mr Dmitriev, but a symptom of people's lack of trust in politicians and parties at the federal level.

ECONOMIST: Russia

"He didn't believe it, " Mr. Dmitriev recalls.

WSJ: Russia After Putin

Mr. Dmitriev is more skeptical.

WSJ: Russia After Putin