In pictures: Putin's first year

Russian President Vladimir Putin was elected in March 2000, on a wave of popular support. BBC News Online looks at some of the images from his first year in power.

When Boris Yeltsin resigned suddenly on 31 December 1999, he chose Vladimir Putin to be acting president until the elections.

Mr Putin's tough stance on Chechnya helped him win a decisive election victory in March 2000.

Mr Putin narrowly won 52.5% of the vote, narrowly avoiding a second round run-off

In April, Mr Putin visited UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in London, for his first foreign trip since the election.

President Putin was officially sworn in on 7 May 2000, vowing to safeguard human rights and defend Russian independence.

In July 2000 Mr Putin became the first Russian leader to visit North Korea, making clear he wanted to play a diplomatic role.

Mr Putin was seen as a breath of fresh air for Russia, but his popularity was to be tested over the following months.

He was heavily criticised for his handling of August's Kursk submarine disaster, in which 118 men died.

The president's policy of trying to boost the Russian economy included a trip to India in October to promote bilateral trade.

He is also cracking down on the so-called oligarchs, including independent TV station owner, Vladimir Gusinsky