Vladimir Putin Commences Fifth Presidential Term Amid Ukraine War, Says Leading Russia A 'Sacred Duty'

Vladimir Putin began his fifth term as Russia's leader, affirming his grip on power. At the Kremlin inauguration, he pledged to uphold the constitution.

Vladimir Putin embarked on his fifth term as Russian leader on Tuesday, reaffirming his hold on power at a lavish Kremlin inauguration ceremony. The event marked the beginning of another six years in office for the 71-year-old leader, who has dominated Russian politics for nearly a quarter-century, making him the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin.

At the Grand Kremlin Palace, amidst a crowd of hand-picked dignitaries, Putin pledged to defend the Russian Constitution, symbolically placing his hand on it, news agency AP reported.

Prolonging his more than a two-decade rule, Putin said he considers leading Russia a "sacred duty", news agency AFP reported. "Serving Russia is a huge honour, responsibility and sacred duty," the 71-year-old said in the Kremlin's gilded Saint Andrew's Hall, as quoted by AFP.

This inauguration comes against the backdrop of a Russia that has transformed under Putin's rule, from a country emerging from economic collapse to a global pariah state embroiled in conflicts that further threaten international security.

Potential Tax Hikes, Increased Military Recruitment Likely To Mark Putin's New Tenure Amid Russia-Ukraine War

Since succeeding Boris Yeltsin in 1999, Putin has overseen Russia's resurgence on the world stage, but not without controversy. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Europe's largest conflict since World War II, has led to severe sanctions from the West, pushing Russia towards alliances with other authoritarian regimes like China, Iran, and North Korea.

The focus now turns to Putin's agenda for the next six years, both domestically and internationally. In Ukraine, Russian forces are making gains while employing scorched-earth tactics, despite facing heavy casualties, AP reported. Putin has vowed to defend Russia's sovereignty and security, even suggesting the possibility of a confrontation with NATO and advocating for a buffer zone in Ukraine.

Domestically, Putin's popularity hinges on improving living standards for ordinary Russians, but economic promises have taken a backseat to fund the war effort. According to AP, Analysts anticipate potential tax hikes and increased military recruitment as the Russian government shifts focus to defense spending.

Amidst these challenges, a government reshuffle looms, with the Defense Ministry under scrutiny. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, once criticised for shortcomings in the war effort, faces internal pressure amid reports of corruption within the ministry, according to AP's report.

However, dissent within Russia is met with harsh repression, reminiscent of Soviet-era tactics. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny's death in custody earlier this year underscores the risks faced by Putin's critics. Laws targeting dissenters and curtailing media freedom signal a continuation of Putin's authoritarian grip on power.