Putin takes oath for record fifth presidential term

Russian President Vladimir Putin was Tuesday (7 May) sworn into office at a lavish Kremlin ceremony for a record-breaking fifth term with more power than ever before.

The 71-year-old has ruled Russia since the turn of the century, securing a fresh six-year mandate in March after winning presidential elections devoid of all opposition. Putin will hold the office for the next six years until 2030.

Putin has already taken his oath of office four times. Back in 2000, the 47-year-old candidate received the support of 52.94% of Russians, in 2004 - of 71.31%, in 2012 - of 63.6% and in 2018 - of 76.7%. During the March 2024 elections, Putin, who is now 71 years old, was supported by record-high 87.28%.

"I stress that results of this work primarily depend on our unity, our overall ambition to be of benefit to our Fatherland, to protect it and to work as hard as we can," the president said in an inauguration address.