Russia’s Vladimir Putin Sworn in for a Fresh 6-year Term
Vladimir Putin, 71, was sworn in for a Fresh 6-year term as Russia’s President for the 5th time. The inauguration ceremony was held in Kremlin, Moscow on May 7, 2024. It was attended by members of his Russian government and a few celebrities including former Hollywood actor and now Russian citizen, Steven Seagall.
There were about 2, 500 guests who greeted him with a kingly applause as they stood keenly bearing the sub-zero temperatures outside. He declared his March victory as proof that the country was united and moving in the right direction.
Putin says he is open to dialogue amid snub from the west
The ceremony was however boycotted by the West and many of its allies. This follows the more than 2 years of war in Ukraine. Despite the snub, Putin maintained that he is “still open to dialogue.” He said the West is using Ukraine as a vehicle to dismember Russia and that the war will continue.
“The choice is theirs. Do they intend to continue trying to control Russia, continue with the policy of aggression, continous pressure on our country for years, or look for a path of cooperation and peace..” said Putin.
Russia is heavily sanctioned by the West and has turned to countries like China, Iran, and North Korea for support. Josef Borell, EU top diplomat said “The right thing to do is not to attend this inauguration because Putin is the subject of an arrest warrant by the ICC for war crimes“, accusing him of personal responsibility for the abduction of children from Ukraine. A handful of EU envoys still attended among them the French ambassador who remained anonymous as they were authorised.
Currently, there is no opposition inside the country. Alexei Navalny who was Putin’s harshest critic died in the Arctic penal colony in February. Long prison terms are threatened on anyone who discredits the military, LGBTQ+ activists, and anyone who doesn’t adhere to “traditional values.”
Critics say that he could raise taxes and force men to join the Russian military.
He is the longest-serving leader since Josef Stalin. Since he succeeded Boris Yeltsin, he has transformed Russia from an economic collapse to a pariah state that threatens global security.
