Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin will be sworn in at a spectacular ceremony in the Kremlin, commencing on a record-breaking fifth term with more power than ever.
The 71-year-old Kremlin President has ruled Russia since the turn of the century, obtaining a new six-year term in March after winning presidential elections with no opposition.
The inauguration ceremony will be broadcast live on Russian television channels from around midday (0900 GMT) when a luxurious motorcade will drive Putin to Moscow’s Grand Kremlin Palace.
After arrival, he will proceed through the palace hallways to the opulent Saint Andrew Hall, where he will take the presidential oath and deliver a brief address to Russians.
Government officials and international diplomats in Moscow have been invited to the ceremony, including French Ambassador Pierre Levy.
Other European countries including Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic have indicated that they will not send officials due to heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine.
Most international observers criticized Putin’s 87 percent landslide victory in the presidential election, which opposition and rights groups claimed was manipulated.
The inauguration takes place two days before Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9, which has taken on new significance as Putin equates his offensive in Ukraine to Russia’s war against Nazi Germany during World War II.
Ahead of both events, authorities have constructed barriers throughout Moscow’s city centre.
