Putin’s Start of the 5th Term as President

After winning the presidential election held in Russia in March, Vladimir Putin took office for his 5th presidential term by swearing in at the Kremlin Palace. Vladimir Putin, who won the presidential elections held in Russia between March 15-17 with 87.28% of the votes, took the oath at a ceremony held at the Kremlin Palace. With the attendance of 2,600 guests including Muslim community leaders and foreign diplomats, Russian leader Putin entered the hall to applause and swore on the Constitution for his new 6-year term. Putin stated, ‘I swear that when exercising the powers of the President of the Russian Federation, I will respect and protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, abide by and protect the Constitution of the Russian Federation, protect the sovereignty, independence, security, and integrity of the state, and faithfully serve the people’ as he took the oath for his new term. After Putin’s oath, there were artillery salutes in the Kremlin’s garden.

Putin’s Thanks and Messages

After the swearing-in ceremony as the President of Russia, Putin thanked all Russian citizens who supported him, including the voters in the annexed regions of Ukraine. Putin said, ‘At this important moment when I assume the presidency, I sincerely want to thank the Russian citizens in all regions of our country, the inhabitants of our historical lands who advocate unity with the motherland. I bow with respect to our heroes, those who participated in special military operations, and everyone who fights for the homeland. I thank you for the trust and support you have given.’ Putin also delivered messages to Western countries in his speech. Expressing that the dialogue doors are open to the West, Putin said, ‘We are open and will continue to strengthen good relations with all countries that see Russia as a reliable and honest partner. These countries indeed form the global majority. We do not reject dialogue with Western countries. It’s their choice. Will they continue to try to hinder Russia’s development, maintain an aggressive policy, and continue the pressure on our country, or will they seek cooperation and the path to peace?’ Putin emphasized that they will continue to act together with their allies and work towards establishing a multipolar world order in Eurasian integration, creating an equal and indivisible security system.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Putin greeted the Presidential Guard Regiment waiting in the Kremlin Palace garden. Following the greeting, a parade was held for Putin. After the approximately 1-hour-long ceremony, Putin moved to his office located in the Kremlin.

Who is Vladimir Putin?
Vladimir Putin was born on October 7, 1952, in St. Petersburg, Russia, to a farming family during the Soviet era. Graduating from the Law Department of Leningrad State University in 1975, Putin completed his master’s degree in economics. After graduation, Putin joined the Soviet Union’s secret intelligence service KGB, served in Germany for a while, and then returned to Leningrad to work in university management. Putin won the presidential elections in 2000 with 52.94% of the votes, in 2004 with 71.31%, and became the Prime Minister in 2008. In 2012, he was re-elected as president with 63.6% of the votes, and in the 2018 elections, he secured the presidential seat with 76.7% of the votes. Putin will continue to serve as the President until May 7, 2030, for another 6-year term.