COPENHAGEN - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin made clear on Tuesday that he had no time for Western advice on whether to seek to return to the presidency in a vote next year.

President from 2000-2008 and still seen as Russia's paramount leader, Putin has indicated he will likely either run in the March 2012 vote himself or endorse his successor Dmitry Medvedev for a second term. He could also tap a new favourite.

During a visit to Denmark, Putin used a question at a news conference to lay out the latest hint that he is considering a return and to tell his audience, including Russian TV viewers, that he does not care what the West thinks.

"Future candidates for president of the Russian Federation do not need support from abroad," Putin said when asked about calls by some in the West for him to stay out of the election and let Medvedev remain for a second presidential term.

"Future candidates for president of Russia need the support of the Russian people," he said.

The remark was in line with Putin's frequent warnings to the West to refrain from meddling in Russian politics. He has faced accusations from Western governments and critics at home of rolling back democracy.

The United States and European countries have had visibly warmer relations with Medvedev, who has embraced US President Barack Obama's effort to improve ties and public hews closer to Western views on issues from economic policy to civil rights.

Under Medvedev, Russia supported a fourth round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme and abstained from a UN Security Council vote authorizing NATO military action to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya.

Medvedev criticised Putin last month for likening the resuotion to "medieval calls for crusades", one of a series of assertive remarks suggesting Medvedev wants a second term.

Putin sharply criticised the resolution and the NATO operation again on Tuesday, saying the "so-called civilised community" was running roughshod over Libya.