Vladimir Putin was inaugurated for an unprecedented fifth term as Russian President in a grand ceremony held at the Kremlin. At 71, Putin has been at the helm of Russian politics since the beginning of the 21st century and secured another six-year term following his victory in the March presidential elections, where he faced no opposition.
During his inauguration speech, attended by approximately 2,500 guests including government officials and military leaders, Putin delivered a message of unity and resilience. “We are a united and great people. Together we will overcome all obstacles, we will bring all our plans to fruition, and together we will win,” he proclaimed to the gathered audience, as reported by an AFP journalist.
Putin described his role as the Russian President as a “huge honour, responsibility, and sacred duty,” emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the “sustained and stable development, unity, and independence of the country.” He also expressed his gratitude to the Russian soldiers engaged in what the Kremlin refers to as the “special military operation” in Ukraine, which began over two years ago on February 24, 2022.
Reflecting on Russia’s rich history, Putin noted the country’s “thousand-year history” and highlighted the debt that contemporary Russians owe to their ancestors, whose “triumphs inspire us today.” He stressed the importance of Russians determining their own destiny, independent of external influences.
Regarding international relations, Putin stated that Russia is open to dialogue with Western countries concerning security and strategic stability. However, he asserted that such discussions must occur “only on equal terms, respecting the interests of each other,” indicating his stance on foreign policy moving forward.
