By Lucy Adautin
In a grand Kremlin ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken the oath of office for an unprecedented fifth term.
Putin, aged 71, who has governed Russia since the beginning of the 21st century, secured another six-year term in March following his victory in the presidential elections.
His reelection faced no substantial opposition.
During his address at the inauguration ceremony, Putin remarked, “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.
“We will pass through this difficult, decisive period with dignity and become even stronger.
“We are a united and great nation,” Putin said in an upbeat speech, to applause from an audience of around 2,500 people including officials and military top brass.
Following his inauguration, Putin expressed his perspective on the presidency, describing it as a “significant honor, responsibility, and sacred duty.”
He pledged to safeguard the “continued and stable development, unity, and independence” of the nation.
Expressing gratitude to the soldiers involved in what Russia terms a “special military operation” in Ukraine, ongoing for over two years since February 24, 2022, Putin addressed those present at the ceremony.
“We are moving forward with confidence,” emphasized Putin in his televised address.
Addressing the audience in the opulent St. Andrew’s Hall of the Kremlin, Putin invoked Russia’s “thousand-year history,” emphasizing the debt owed to past generations whose triumphs serve as inspiration today.
He stressed the collective belief among Russians in their ability to shape Russia’s destiny for the benefit of current and future generations.
Putin emphasized Russia’s openness to dialogue with Western nations, particularly on matters of security and strategic stability, but underscored the necessity for such discussions to occur on equal terms, respecting the interests of all parties involved.
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