Russia alone will determine its own destiny, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the inauguration ceremony held in the Kremlin. The ceremony was broadcast live by the Russian news agency TASS.
He thanked the soldiers fighting in Ukraine, thanked for the support in the elections and addressed all the citizens. Putin said the Russian people are "united and great" and he is confident of the Russian victory.
"I am convinced that we will pass through this difficult, milestone period with dignity, we will become even stronger and we will definitely implement long-term plans and large-scale projects aimed at achieving development goals," said the Russian president.
It emphasizes the support for age-old family values and traditions.
The Russian president stated that his country is ready to strengthen good relations with all countries that see Russia as a reliable and honest partner.
Putin said that Russia does not give up dialogue with Western countries. He said the West must decide whether to continue trying to contain Russia's development, "continue the policy of aggression," or to seek a path to cooperation and peace.
According to him, Moscow is ready for a conversation, including on issues of security and strategic stability. Putin stated that this should not be done "from the position of strength, without any arrogance, conceit and personal exclusivity, but only on equal terms, respecting each other's interests."
He emphasized the importance of partners in Eurasian integration and other centers for sovereign development, announcing that Russia will continue to work for the formation of a multipolar world order and an indivisible security system.
This is Putin's fifth term as head of state. His first two terms lasted four years. Following amendments to the Russian constitution, the term of office of the head of state was extended to 6 years. Putin served his first six-year term in 2012 and his second in 2018. Following changes to the Basic Law in 2020, he was able to run in the 2024 election, which he won with a record 87.28% of the vote.< /p>
Putin's current term expires on May 7, 2030
Washington, London and the European Union boycotted the inauguration, although some EU countries were expected to send representatives to Moscow despite Ukraine's request not to. In particular, it was reported that the French ambassador Pierre Levy will attend the ceremony.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters on Tuesday that he was against the presence of Europeans at Putin's inauguration.
"For me, the position was clear: it will be very difficult for Ukrainians and many people in the world to understand this, because we consider Putin, who is indicted by the International Criminal Court, responsible for the war in Ukraine," Borel said . "We contest these elections because they were neither free nor fair. And at the same time, attending the inauguration would be a clear contradiction.