Vladimir Putin was sworn in for his fifth term as Russia’s President today, renewing his hold over the country in a spectacular Kremlin ceremony, which was boycotted by the United States and many other Western countries.
Vladimir Putin became Russia’s longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin today, having been in power for nearly two and a half decades. The ceremony came as his army advanced in Ukraine at the height of Moscow’s worst confrontation with the West since the Soviet era.
Putin, 71, extended his rule – by another six years – in an effectively ‘uncontested’ election in March, having silenced any political opposition and launched the invasion of Ukraine that set Russia on the journey of unprecedented global isolation and domestic repression.
Having now tightened his hold on power, Putin placed his hand on top of the Russian Constitution at today’s ceremony and vowed to serve the Russian people.
“We are a united and great people and together we will overcome all obstacles, realize all our plans. Together we will win!” he said, after being sworn in before a grand hall filled with dignitaries.
The United States and many other Western countries boycotted the inauguration, which came just a day after Putin’s latest round of nuclear saber-rattling.
The hour-long ceremony was broadcast live by Russian state TV, along with enthusiastic commentary, showing Putin walking out of his office in the Kremlin and getting into a car for a short trip to the ceremony, as snow hit the ground in Moscow.
Russia’s president then walked the red carpet of the Kremlin’s historic halls to the applause of hundreds of guests, comprised of cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, and celebrities, including American actor Steven Seagal, who has supported Putin for years. Asked by NBC News for his impression of the event, Seagal replied “The best.”
Russia’s Relations with Greece, Including Putin’s Involvement
Russia and Greece first entered into diplomatic relations in 1828, and both countries are members of international organizations and agreements, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.
Relations between the governments of the two countries have worsened since the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014, when Greece condemned Russian intervention and refused to recognize Crimea as part of Russia.
In the summer of 2018, relations deteriorated further still. Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, political relations reached a historic low, since Russian independence. Although relations have been mostly adverse, Greek people had better views of Russia. A poll in 2019 found that 58 percent of Greeks viewed Russia favorably.
However, the Russian Invasion of Ukraine severely damaged Russia’s image in Greece. As of 2023, only 32 percent of Greeks have a favorable view of Russia, while 66 percent have a negative opinion.