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Among other things, Mr Putin received the system for controlling Russia’s strategic nuclear forces in a ceremony that involved a group of military officers who exercise direct control over the national nuclear arsenal.

Before leaving the Kremlin, the first Russian president handed over a copy of the Russian constitution, used to swear in the head of state, and the Presidential Emblem to Mr Putin as a symbolic gesture.

Mr Putin’s new status will also affect his work schedule as prime minister in the next few days. For instance, Mr Putin and his family had planned to leave for St Petersburg today and to celebrate the New Year there. This trip, as well as a business trip to the Kamchatka Peninsula in early January, have now been called off.