Russian President, Vladmir Putin has been sworn in for another six years, two months after more than 70 percent of voters backed him in a presidential election in which he had no serious challenger.

Standing in the Grand Kremlin Palace’s ornately-decorated Andreyesky Hall with his hand placed on a gold – embossed copy of the Russian Constitution, the 65-year-old Putin swore to serve his people, safeguard their rights and freedom and defend Russian sovereignty.

Putin embarks on his fourth term in office buoyed by widespread popular support but weighed down by a costly confrontation with the West, a fragile economy and uncertainty about what happens after his term ends.

His most dangerous opponent, Alexei Navalny who was barred from running in the presidential elections was detained alongside his supporters on Saturday by the police while protesting against the planned inauguration of Putin.

Under the provisions of the Russian constitution, Putin is not eligible to contest the presidency when his tenure expires in 2024.