Only every second Briton knows Putin is Russian President

Almost half of the British - 45 percent - know that Vladimir Putin is the Russian president, said Alexander Oslon, head of the Public Opinion fund, commenting on Thursday on the polls simultaneously held in Russia and Great Britain.

The public opinion poll has been held on RIA Novosti initiative.

Fifty percent of the British found it hard to say who is the political leader in Russia.

Two percent of respondents said it is Mikhail Gorbachev or Boris Yeltsin.

Thirteen percent said Vladimir Putin is a good leader; 8 percent said he is good for Russia; 5 and 4 percent, respectively, said he is tough, honest and straightforward. At the same time, 4 percent said Putin is cautious and secretive.

Among the incumbent Russian president's qualities the British have cited purposefulness, vigour and good shape.