MOSCOW, May 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russian President Vladimir Putin was Tuesday sworn into office at a lavish Kremlin ceremony for a record-breaking fifth term with more power than ever before.
The 71-year-old has ruled Russia since the turn of the century, securing a fresh six-year mandate in March after winning presidential elections devoid of all opposition.
Putin was sworn in front of hand-picked guests, including US actor Steven Seagal and a biker gang leader known as ‘The Surgeon’, at a ceremony inside the gilded Grand Kremlin Palace.
The Russian leader was first sworn in as president almost a quarter of a century ago in May 2000, when he pledged to ‘preserve and develop democracy’ and to ‘take care of Russia.’
During the ceremony, Putin placed his hand on the Russian Constitution and vowed to defend it as a crowd of hand-picked dignitaries looked on.
Putin said in his speech that Russia would pass through the current ‘difficult’ period stronger and emerge victorious – an apparent reference to his long-running war in Ukraine.
‘We will pass through this difficult period with dignity and become even stronger,’ Putin said, adding: ‘We are a united and great nation, and together we will overcome all obstacles, realise everything we have planned, and together, we will win.’
Taking aim at the West, Putin used his speech to insist that his country is not refusing dialogue with Ukraine’s allies and to bemoan the ‘pressure’ being placed on Russia.
He claimed that Moscow stands ready to become an ‘honest’ partner with anybody who is willing.
‘We are not even refusing the dialogue with Western countries,’ he said. ‘We will see if they continue to halt the development of our country and continue to put pressure on our country, or look for ways to cooperate with us.’
After he was sworn in, Putin met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, in part of the ceremony which symbolises the backing of the new leader by the church.
At the start of a new term, the Russian government is routinely dissolved so that Putin can name a new prime minister and Cabinet. — NNN-AGENCIES
