Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Sunday accepted the nomination by the ruling United Russia party to run for president in next March's election.

"I am grateful to (President) Dmitry Medvedev and the United Russia congress for nominating me as candidate and for the proposal to run for president of the Russian Federation. I accept this proposal with gratitude, of course," Putin told the ruling party's congress.

He warned that efforts from abroad trying to influence Russia's elections are "useless," saying the move is just like "throwing money to the wind."

A total of 614 representatives of the United Russia party unanimously nominated Putin as its presidential candidate for the March 4 election.

Medvedev, who attended the congress, lauded Putin as the most successful, experienced and popular politician in Russia.

Russia's presidential election campaign officially kicked off on Saturday.

Putin, who stepped down in 2008 after two presidential terms, announced in September that he would run for the presidency in 2012. Medvedev agreed to head the ruling United Russia's list for the Dec. 4 parliamentary elections.

The United Russia, established in December 2001, is the dominant party force with more than 2 million members.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet