Russian motorists staged a new protest Sunday against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's likely return to the presidency by covering their cars in white and driving around Moscow.

Organizers say as many as 3,000 cars with white balloons, ribbons or other decorations drove around the Garden Ring — a major highway circling the Russian capital. Those without cars stood along the road and waved white handkerchiefs.

Moscow police say only 300 cars took part.

Opponents of Mr. Putin's presidential comeback have adopted white as their color.

They say Sunday's drive around Moscow was held to publicize what they hope will be a massive anti-Putin rally next Saturday — exactly one month before the March 4 presidential election.

Russian political experts believe Mr. Putin will easily win the election and become president again. He was disqualified from running in 2008 after serving two consecutive terms.