Russian President Vladimir Putin was sworn in to a fourth term on Monday, extending his 18-year rule amid promises of continuity in foreign policy and renewed efforts toward building prosperity at home.

During his swearing in ceremony at the gilded Andreyevsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin assured Russians that his rule had “revived pride” in the country.

As head of state, I will do all I can to multiply the strength and prosperity of Russia,” Putin told a packed room of Russia's political and culture elite. “The object of my life and my work will be to serve the people and the fatherland.”

Kremlin officials had hinted that this year's ceremony would be more modest than his 2012 inauguration — which critics mocked over a decision to clear Moscow's streets for the arrival of Putin's motorcade. Televised images of Putin and his bodyguards alone in the streets of the capital seemed only to emphasize the Russian president had lost touch with the public.

Instead, this year's inauguration found the Russian leader diligently working at his desk when a call came notifying him the time to take the oath of office had come.

As Putin donned his jacket and made his way to the ceremony, television viewers were treated to another surprise: he would now travel to official events in a Russian-built limousine rather than his traditional Mercedes.
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