As Vladimir Putin swore the oath of allegiance to the Russian Constitution for a record fifth term as president, the inauguration ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace witnessed a significant absence of key Western countries.
Amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European Union nations opted to boycott the event. Despite this, Putin expressed optimism and confidence in his inauguration speech, stating, “Together we will overcome all obstacles and emerge victorious.”
The 71-year-old leader won the March election with a significant majority, but criticism surrounded the legitimacy of the electoral process as key opposition figures were excluded from the race. Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, continues to urge supporters to resist Putin’s rule, labeling him as “a liar, a thief and a murderer.”
‘Liar, thief, murderer’
In response, the US Department of State acknowledged Putin’s presidency while raising concerns about the fairness of the election. The ceremony coincided with Russia’s declaration of a tactical nuclear weapons drill, escalating tensions with the West.
Ukraine, a key player in the conflict, denounced Putin’s inauguration, accusing him of maintaining a dictatorship and turning Russia into an aggressor state. Despite these challenges, Putin emphasized the importance of national security and hinted at a willingness to engage in dialogue with Western nations on equal terms.
Ukraine does not recognize Vladimir Putin as a democratically elected and legitimate President of the Russian Federation.
🔗 Full MFA statement: https://t.co/HQfPCzswDy
— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) May 6, 2024
Putin praised the soldiers involved in the war effort, hailing them as heroes, while reiterating his commitment to Russia’s interests above all else. As his new term begins, Putin faces both domestic and international challenges, with a track record that includes economic struggles and political repression.