‘Leading Russia a sacred duty’: Putin takes oath for record fifth presidential term – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Vladimir Putin took oath for a new term of five years as the president of Russia in a lavish Kremlin inauguration ceremony on Tuesday. He has eliminated his political rivals, initiated a devastating conflict in Ukraine, and consolidated all power under his control.
He began his fifth term in a ceremony that was boycotted by the United States and many Western countries due to Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Putin, who has been in office for nearly 25 years since 1999 and is the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, will remain in power at least until 2030, with the option to run for another six years as per the constitution of Russia.
During the inauguration ceremony, Putin told officials that leading Russia is a “sacred duty”, and that Russia will emerge “stronger” after “difficult” period.
“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.”
In a short speech, Putin also said that Russia was open to developing relations with other countries he described as “the world’s majority”.
“Russia’s state system must be resistant to any threats and challenges,” he said.
Russia has transformed from a nation recovering from economic collapse to a pariah state that poses a threat to global security under Putin’s leadership. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has become Europe’s largest conflict since World War II, Russia has faced severe sanctions from the West and is turning to other regimes like China, Iran, and North Korea for support.
The main concern now is what the 71-year-old Putin will do over the next six years, both domestically and internationally. Russian forces are making progress in Ukraine, employing scorched-earth tactics as Kyiv struggles with shortages of men and ammunition. Both sides are suffering heavy losses.
Ukraine has brought the battle to Russian soil through drone and missile attacks, particularly in border regions. In a speech in February, Putin pledged to achieve Moscow‘s objectives in Ukraine and do what is necessary to “defend our sovereignty and security of our citizens.”
At home, Putin’s popularity is closely linked to improving the living standards of ordinary Russians. He began his term in 2018 by promising to propel Russia into the top five global economies, declaring that it should be “modern and dynamic.”
However, Russia’s economy has shifted to a war footing, and authorities are spending record amounts on defense. Analysts suggest that now that Putin has secured another six years in power, the government could take unpopular measures such as raising taxes to fund the war and pressuring more men to join the military.
(With inputs from agencies)