Putin is Russia's new pop idol

A pop song idolising President Putin is making waves in Russia.

DJs at two leading radio stations have been playing the song, but say they cannot be sure where it came from.

President Putin, who is still riding high in the popularity stakes, is rapidly becoming a highly marketable commodity in Russia.

But the Kremlin is not amused.

"If only I could find a man like Putin," croons the female vocalist of pop band Singing Together.

Fed up with a boyfriend who drinks and fights, she decides it is time for someone new, someone strong and true, like Vladimir Putin.

A Man Like Putin has made the play lists of leading radio stations in Russia.

Dynamite FM disc jockey Ira says the song is proving a real hit with the listeners.

But despite its popularity, the tune is shrouded in mystery.

The record does not appear to be on sale anywhere.

Radio stations do not know where their copy came from.

And the band, too, is a newcomer.

Putin the brand

It has all prompted suspicions that the song is official PR.

Kremlin spin doctors worked hard to foster Mr Putin's image, and his approval rating now hovers around 70%.

But what began as spin now appears to have taken on a life of its own.

There are Putin watches, Putin kebabs, and even plans for a Putin tomato.

The Russian president has declared his disapproval of what commentators call his rising cult status.

But like it or not, the Putin label sells, and Putin pop looks like becoming the latest craze.