On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin was sworn into office for an unprecedented fifth term at a grand Kremlin ceremony. The 71-year-old has been serving as Russia's president or prime minister since 1999. During his inauguration speech, he expressed his confidence that Russia would emerge victorious from the current "difficult" period and become stronger than ever before.
According to the Russian leader, the federation is a "united and great nation". He expressed that being the president is a "huge honor, responsibility, and sacred duty" and he promised to ensure the "sustained and stable development, unity, and independence of the country".
He further expressed gratitude towards the soldiers who are involved in what Russia calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine that has been ongoing for over two years.
He ended his speech by stating that Russia is willing to engage in dialogue with Western states regarding security and strategic stability, but only on equal terms and while respecting each other's interests.
