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