 The Russian constitution officially declares a separation of church and state , but ties between the Orthodox Church and the government have strengthened since Vladimir Putin's election as President in 2000.
<clarity>  The Russian constitution officially declares a separation of church and state , but ties between the Orthodox Church and the government have strengthened since Vladimir Putin's election as President in 2000.
 The Russian constitution officially declares a , but ties between the Orthodox Church and the government have strengthened since Vladimir Putin's election as President in 2000.