His decision to annex Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 sparked one of the biggest international crises since the Cold War, incurring Western sanctions which continue to this day.

Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election soured international relations even further, while this year saw Mr Putin accused by the UK of responsibility for a nerve agent attack on its soil - allegations denied by Moscow.

Political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin told AFP Mr Putin's approach to the international community would have to change over his new term.

"Russia hasn't been so isolated since the Soviet war in Afghanistan," he said.

"Now his [Putin's] task isn't to bring any new lands to Russia but to force the world to consider Russia's interests and accept its previous conquests," Oreshkin added.