MOSCOW - Vladimir Putin was sworn in on Monday as Russian president, starting his third term in the Kremlin following the two consecutive terms from 2000 to 2008.

The 59-year-old political veteran, who served as prime minister from 2008 to 2012, won a resounding victory in the country's presidential election in March.

His inauguration ceremony was held at the Kremlin at noon and was attended by senior officials as well as foreign guests.

Putin has pledged to nominate former President Dmitry Medvedev as prime minister in the new government. He is expected to submit the nomination to the parliament later Monday.