Vladimir Putin has been sworn in for a fifth term as president of Russia. This means the 71-year-old can rule the country for another six years. The ceremony in Moscow was boycotted by the US and many European countries, including Austria, because of the war in Ukraine. But Steven Seagal and the boss of the ‘Night Wolves’ were there.
Most ambassadors from EU member states – including Germany – stayed away from the swearing-in ceremony. The US also did not send a representative to Putin’s inauguration. The official representative of the European Union in Moscow was also not present at the ceremony. Foreign Affairs Representative Josep Borrell had previously spoken out against the EU’s participation in the event. But some countries – such as France, Hungary and Slovakia – wanted to send representatives to keep the channels of communication open.
Naturally, the entire squad of Russian Putin loyalists was present at the swearing-in ceremony. In addition to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and other government members, Moscow Patriarch Kirill was also present. Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the nationalist motorcycle club ‘Night Wolves’, Alexander Zaldostanov and former film star Steven Seagal – a member of Putin’s ‘United Russia’ party – also congratulated the Russian ruler.
The West does not recognize elections
Putin was re-elected in March, but the West does not recognize the elections due to clear manipulation. The 71-year-old, who has dominated politics in the country for 24 years, achieved a record result of more than 87 percent of the votes in the presidential elections.
There was also criticism because not a single genuine opposition candidate was allowed. To stay in power, Putin had the Russian constitution rewritten a few years ago. After his current term of office, which expires in 2030, he can even be re-elected until 2036 in accordance with the new constitution. Putin would then be 83 years old.
Shortly before the new inauguration, Ukraine called on the international community to no longer consider Putin as Russia’s legitimate head of state. “Ukraine sees no legal basis for recognizing him as the democratically elected and legitimate President of the Russian Federation,” the Foreign Ministry in Kiev said in a statement on Monday.
“Liar, thief and murderer”
The widow of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who died in custody, also called on his supporters to continue the fight against Putin. Yulia Navalnaya described Putin as a “liar, thief and murderer” in a video message on the day he was inaugurated for a new six-year term.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
