Primakov Out of Presidential Race

With his political base in tatters, former Prime Minister Yevgeny M. Primakov bowed out of the Russian presidential election Friday, virtually assuring that acting President Vladimir V. Putin will sweep the contest.

Primakov, 70, who was seen as Putin’s only serious possible challenger, said he was discouraged about the state of Russia’s young democracy. But his remarks also suggested recognition that he had no real chance of winning.

The decision likely will mark Primakov’s exit from the front ranks of Russian politics after a career as a diplomat and spymaster. As foreign minister, Primakov was regarded with suspicion by some Western governments because of his efforts to promote Soviet-era ties with Iraq and other anti-Western nations.