MOSCOW: Vladimir Putin took the oath of office on Tuesday, marking his fifth term as President of Russia and paving the way for another six years in power amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Led by Constitutional Court head Valery Zorkin, Putin officially swore in as president after the ceremony.
In a brief address following his oath, Putin reiterated his call for national unity in the face of the Ukraine conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and led to Moscow’s isolation from the West.
“We are a united and great nation, and together we will overcome all obstacles and achieve our goals. Together we will triumph,” he declared.
“I pledge to continue prioritizing the interests and security of the Russian people above all else,” Putin affirmed, echoing the text of the presidential oath. “This has been the guiding principle of my work over the years.”
At 71, Putin has been in power for over two decades. In March, he secured another six-year term after an election marked by widespread reports of fraud and lack of genuine opposition.
Although constitutionally required to step down in 2024, changes made to Russia’s Constitution in 2020 “reset” his term limits, allowing him to remain in office until 2030.
The elaborate ceremony, held at the Grand Kremlin Palace, was attended by thousands of guests, including Russian officials, parliament members, celebrities, and business leaders.
Notable attendees included Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, as well as foreign dignitaries like Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.
While Russia extended invitations to all foreign ambassadors in Moscow, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and 20 EU member states boycotted the event.
Russian servicemen who fought in Ukraine were also present, and Putin addressed them directly during his speech.
“I salute our heroes, the participants of the special military operation, and all those defending our homeland,” Putin said, using the Kremlin’s term for its Ukraine intervention.
“We must ensure that those who have shown loyalty to the homeland through their actions hold key positions in the government,” he added.
Following the ceremony, Putin attended a prayer service led by Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, who blessed the president and emphasized his responsibility to serve Russia.
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