Vladimir Putin formally opens Winter Olympics in Sochi

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

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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.