‘Together we will win’: Putin sworn in as Russia’s president
Al Jazeera
The United States and most European Union countries boycotted the inauguration ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace.
Vladimir Putin swore the oath of allegiance to the Russian Constitution at his inauguration for a record fifth term as president, and as he further tightened his grip on power said the country would emerge victorious and stronger from the current “difficult” period.
The ceremony on Tuesday at the Grand Kremlin Palace was boycotted by the United States, United Kingdom and several countries from the European Union amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“We are a united and great nation,” Putin said in his optimistic inauguration speech, to applause from an audience of about 2,500 people.
“Together we will overcome all obstacles, achieve everything we have planned and together we will win,” was his message to the Russian people as he launched another six-year term.
The 71-year-old won the March election by clinching 87.28 percent of the vote in a poll that analysts said lacked democratic legitimacy after several candidates opposed to the war in Ukraine were barred from contesting by the electoral commission.
