Washington: US President George W. Bush on Thursday rejected a suggestion he might see Russian President Vladimir Putin's likely successor as a puppet.

Bush said at a press conference that he knows little about Dmitry Medvedev, but will be watching closely for hints about how his election would change Russian foreign policy.

He said that it will be interesting to learn who will represent Russia at the next Group of Eight industrialised nations meeting. The answer, he said, would "give some insight as to how Russia intends to conduct foreign policy after Vladimir Putin's presidency."

Asked by a reporter if he was concerned Medvedev would be a puppet, Bush replied: "No, I wouldn't say that."

Medvedev, who has been endorsed by Putin, is widely expected to beat three other candidates handily in Sunday's election.

Putin has said he will take the No. 2 post of prime minister after stepping down as required by the Russian constitution.