Russian President Vladimir Putin commenced his fifth term in office with a grand ceremony held at the Kremlin.
In March, Putin secured victory in an election marked by the absence of two anti-war candidates, who were disqualified on technical grounds.
Having governed Russia since the early 2000s, the 71-year-old leader secured another six-year mandate in the presidential elections, where opposition was conspicuously absent.
Putin also maintains a firm grip on power, while internationally, tensions simmer with Western nations, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine.
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Following his inauguration, Putin assured Russia’s political elite that he remains open to dialogue with the West, yet emphasized that engagement would be on mutual terms.
He also hinted at the possibility of discussions on strategic nuclear stability, but underscored the necessity of equality in any such negotiations.
“We are a united and great people and together we will overcome all obstacles, we will bring to life everything we have planned. Together, we will be victorious,” Putin said.
The United States, which said it did not consider his re-election free and fair, stayed away from Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony.
Britain, Canada and most European Union nations also decided to boycott the swearing-in, but France said it would send its ambassador.
