Winter Olympics: Vladimir Putin insists on Sochi time

A large 'Welcome to Sochi!' sign hangs above the waterfront area in central Sochi (GETTY IMAGES)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to put the clocks back for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. The time switch would better suit Europe and the Americas.

But Putin said in a televised address: "Yes, there is a problem with the time. Fans are complaining and there might be more complaints because of the Sochi Olympics. But the IOC will just follow what we decide here."