Vladimir Putin sworn in as Russian president.

Vladimir Putin was sworn in as Russian president on Monday in a glittering Kremlin ceremony that took place less than 24 hours after protesters opposed to his rule had battled police in downtown Moscow, RIA Novosti reported.

“I swear on the power invested in my as president of the Russian Federation to respect and protect the rights and freedom of its citizens, “Putin said, his right hand placed on a red-bound copy of the Russian Constitution.

Putin’s motorcade had sped through empty streets locked down by a heavy security presence on its way to the Kremlin State Palace, where some 2,000 guests had gathered to witness his inauguration for a six-year term.

Police made a number of arrests as some 150 protesters protested Putin’s return to the presidency a short walk from the Kremlin, Russia media said.