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Vladimir Putin formally opens Winter Olympics in Sochi

By , Reporter
Russian President Vladimir Putin declares the Winter Olympics officially open at today's opening ceremony in Sochi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared the Winter Olympics officially open at today's opening ceremony in Sochi.

Fireworks on display over the Olympic Park during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Fisht Olympic Stadium on February 7, 2014© Getty Images

The country's premier was one of 65 world leaders present at the Fisht Olympic Stadium curtain-raiser this evening.

After being prompted by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, Putin stood up and said: "I declare the 22nd Winter Olympic Games open."

The opening ceremony saw a minor issue earlier as an Olympic ring failed to open properly in the stadium.

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IOC Executive Committee Member Thomas Bach looks on during the 125th IOC Session - IOC Presidential Election at the Hilton Hotel on on September 10, 2013
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