If the Constitution had not been changed in 2020 to continue in power, as he had promised several times, Vladimir Putin would not have been the protagonist of current events in Russia yesterday. But he changed it and the Duma, at the suggestion of deputy and ex-astronaut Valentina Tereishkova, proclaimed that Russia cannot live without him. With all the power in his hands, Putin took possession of the fifth term as president of Russia after winning an election in March with no real opposition (87.27%) and with his army advancing on the Ukrainian front.
After taking the oath, the Russian leader thanked "Russians of all regions and all those who fight for the motherland". With reference to the war conflict with the neighboring country and the confrontation with the West, he repeated that Russia is not opposed to dialogue. "We do not reject dialogue with Western countries. It depends on them," he said in the Grand Kremlin Palace.
According to the Russian president, the dialogue with the West on security and strategic stability is "possible", but if it is carried out "only under equal conditions". And he criticized that they continue to try to "slow down the development of Russia".
With yesterday's majestic ceremony, the Russian leader began the stage that will perpetuate him in power, since this reform has granted him two additional six-year terms. He will be able to present himself again in 2030 and will be in charge of the country until May 2036, months before he turns 84.
With the inauguration, a series of one-week events will also begin in which he will show the world his power. Tomorrow, May 9, the military parade that annually commemorates the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany in the Second World War is celebrated. Another opportunity to emphasize his determination to win in Ukraine. Currently, with Ukrainian troops undermanned and awaiting Western military aid, the situation at the front favors the Russians, who have gone on the offensive. Moscow's forces are gaining ground in the Ukrainian provinces of Kharkiv and, above all, in Donetsk, where they have recently been capturing town after town west of the city of Avdiivka. "We are a united and great people, together we will overcome the obstacles and win", said Putin. Russia will emerge "stronger" from this "difficult period", he promised.
Shortly before noon the Russian leader moved from the Kremlin's Senate Palace, where he has his office, to the Grand Kremlin Palace in a Russian-made Aurus limousine. In the halls of Sant Jordi, Alexandre and Sant Andreu, 2,500 guests from the political, cultural, religious and economic elite of the country awaited him, who gave him a corridor of applause and welcome until he reached the tribune . The ambassadors of unfriendly countries were also invited, but the United States and most of the countries of the European Union declined the invitation. Both criticize Putin's election victory on March 17, but do recognize him as Russia's president.
After taking the oath, the president of the Constitutional Court solemnly informed him of the official start of his mandate. "It is a great honor, a responsibility and a sacred duty," assured Putin after listening to the national anthem.
