Vladimir Putin Sworn in for Fifth Term as President Amid Tight Control in Russia

Vladimir Putin has started his fifth term as Russia's president in a well-planned inauguration ceremony. He has been in power for almost twenty-five years and has significantly influenced the country during this time.

Putin won the election in March by a large margin, securing another six-year term. This could mean that he will continue to rule until he is at least 77 years old.

With many opposition candidates unable to participate due to various reasons such as being deceased, imprisoned, exiled, or disqualified – and with dissent being suppressed in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – Putin did not face any significant challenge to his leadership.

The inauguration took place on Tuesday at the Kremlin and was attended by high-ranking military and political officials from Russia. However, the United States and several European countries chose not to send a representative, denouncing Russia's elections as fraudulent.

"We don't think the election in Russia was fair, but he is now the president," stated US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday.

Back in 2000, Putin's first inauguration was seen as a historic moment in Russia. It was the first time power was transferred through elections in the Kremlin. During his speech, Putin mentioned that his election showed Russia's progress towards becoming a modern democratic state.

Twenty-four years later, Putin is still in charge as either president or prime minister. He has made changes to Russia's constitution to get rid of term limits and increase the length of each term from four to six years.

Attendees wait in the Kremlin as Putin arrives for his inauguration ceremony.

Attendees wait in the Kremlin as Putin arrives for his inauguration ceremony.

Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

Putin won 53% of the vote in the 2000 presidential election, which was considered "reasonably" free and fair by the US Embassy in Moscow. However, in March's election, he received 87% of the vote, a number that the US criticized as "farcical."

After the March election, Putin was seen on stage in Moscow's Red Square with the three opponents who were allowed to run against him. Together, they sang Russia's national anthem side by side, giving the appearance of competition but raising doubts about its authenticity.

In a brief speech on Tuesday, following his announcement of a non-strategic nuclear weapons exercise, Putin stated that Russia is open to dialogue with Western countries. However, he emphasized that it is up to them to choose between aggression or peace.

Putin questioned whether Western countries will persist in trying to hinder Russia's progress, maintain a policy of aggression, and keep pressuring the country, or if they will opt for collaboration and peace instead.

Among the attendees were the leaders appointed by Russia in Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia - regions of Ukraine that were taken over by Russia in 2022.

Putin's inauguration coincides with Russia's efforts to capitalize on its significant military resources in Ukraine before the arrival of a delayed US aid package to strengthen Kyiv's forces.

Putin has made efforts to shield Russians from the impact of the war by enlisting soldiers from the country's prisons and rural areas. He also strives to ensure that urban centers remain well-stocked with goods despite facing sanctions from the West.

However, signs of discontent have emerged despite these efforts. One notable challenge to Putin's authority came from Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former leader of the Wagner group. Upset by Russian military failures in Ukraine, he instructed his mercenaries to march on Moscow in a strange display that briefly threatened Putin's hold on power. Prigozhin called off the mutiny within 24 hours, and two months later, he was reported dead in a plane crash. The Kremlin denied any involvement in the incident.

Alexey Navalny, who was considered to be Putin's strongest political rival, passed away before the latest election. He died in a prison in the Arctic in February. The Russian prison service stated that Navalny "felt unwell after a walk" and quickly lost consciousness. The Kremlin denied any involvement.

Putin waves during his inauguration ceremony.

Putin waves during his inauguration ceremony.

Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

Putin's invasion has changed the geopolitical landscape since the end of the Cold War, causing the West to view Russia as a pariah state after years of friendly relations.

Despite this, Russia has been reaching out to countries in the "Global South," such as providing grain to African nations. This comes after attempts to limit Ukraine's ability to export its agricultural products.

Russia has strengthened partnerships with Iran and North Korea to ensure it has an ample supply of drones and missiles for potential bombardment of Ukraine.

On Tuesday, Putin stated that Russia is open to building stronger relationships with countries that view Russia as a trustworthy and dependable partner, which he believes is the majority of the global community.

After being sworn in, Putin will participate in a parade with the Presidential Regiment at Cathedral Square in the Kremlin. This elite military unit is well-known in Russia, and its members play important roles during the inauguration ceremonies.

Editor's P/S:

Vladimir Putin's inauguration marks a sobering milestone in Russian history, extending his iron grip on power for another six years. The absence of credible opposition candidates and the suppression of dissent paint a grim picture of the state of democracy in Russia. Western condemnation of the election as fraudulent underscores the international community's deep concern about the legitimacy of Putin's rule.

Despite facing mounting pressure from the West due to his invasion of Ukraine, Putin remains defiant, vowing to continue his aggression and questioning the intentions of Western countries. His efforts to strengthen ties with nations in the Global South and bolster partnerships with Iran and North Korea further demonstrate his determination to forge a new geopolitical order. As Putin consolidates his power and seeks to expand Russia's influence, the world must remain vigilant in holding him accountable for his actions and supporting the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and sovereignty.