Putin 'too busy' for presidential election debates.

Vladimir Putin will not take part in Russian presidential election debates because of his duties as prime minister, his spokesman has announced, according to BBC News.

Taking time off for debates would "undoubtedly impede his ability to duly carry out his duties", Dmitriy Peskov told Russian media.

Despite marathon TV chats and news conferences, the two-time president has never debated with challengers.

His Communist rivals have accused him of seeking an unfair advantage.

The party's leader, Gennady Zyuganov, said on Wednesday he should take leave as prime minister for the election period and engage in debates.

Putin served two terms as president, from 2000 to 2008, but was constitutionally barred from standing for a third consecutive term.

Having served a single term as prime minister, he is standing again for the presidency on 4 March.

In his manifesto, posted on his campaign website on Thursday, Putin vows to end police abuses in Russia and to make government accountable.

Speaking to Interfax news agency, Putin's spokesman said the prime minister would use the airtime allocated to him under electoral laws to convey his electoral programme to voters.

Furthermore, Putin could nominate representatives to take part in debates for him, Peskov added.