Putin’s fifth inauguration: “Together we will win”

Vladimir Putin was sworn on Tuesday (7 May) for a fifth presidential mandate that will run until 2030, pledging that Russia “will win” in the conflict he personally started by invading Ukraine and promising those loyal to him the highest positions in the country.

Putin, who has been in power as president or prime minister since 1999, started his new mandate more than two years after he sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, where Russian forces have regained the initiative after a series of reversals and are seeking to advance further in the east.

‘Comrade President’

In a ceremony boycotted by the US and most of the EU countries, Putin was addressed as “comrade President” by the commandant of the Kremlin who greeted him upon arrival in the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, in the presence of 2,500 highest members of the Russian elite.

“Comrade” is the term which under communism used to designate a fellow party member. In his many years in power, Putin restored some of the presumed grandeur of the communist USSR.

After being sworn in, Putin made a speech in which he thanked the soldiers and commanders of the “special military operation” for putting their trust in him.

“You, citizens of Russia, have confirmed the correctness of the country’s course. This is of great importance right now, when we are faced with serious challenges. I see in this a deep understanding of our common historical goals, a determination to adamantly defend our choice, our values, freedom, and the national interests of Russia,” he said.

He added that he was confident that Russia would pass through this “difficult, milestone period” with dignity, and become “even stronger”.

Alluding to Russia’s clout with the “global South”, he said:

“We have been and will be open to strengthening good relations with all countries that see Russia as a reliable and honest partner. And this is truly the global majority.”

He mentioned Russia’s partners in “Eurasian integration”, pledging that Russia will continue to work to form “a multipolar world order and an equal and indivisible security system.”

Turning to the West, he said:

“We do not refuse dialogue with Western states. The choice is theirs: do they intend to continue trying to restrain the development of Russia, continue the policy of aggression, continuous pressure on our country for years, or look for a path to cooperation and peace.”

In Russia’s narrative, it is the West who wages a war of aggression against Russia, by providing military support to Ukraine.

However, Putin admitted that dialogue with the West was still possible

“I repeat: a conversation, including on issues of security and strategic stability, is possible. But not from a position of strength, without any arrogance, conceit and personal exclusivity, but only on equal terms, respecting each other’s interests,” he said.

Internal turmoil?

Putin appeared to warn against internal turmoil, which has recurrently taken place throughout Russian history.

“It is important for us not to forget about the tragic price of internal turmoil and upheaval. Therefore, our state and socio-political system must be strong and absolutely resistant to any challenges and threats, [it must] ensure the progression and stability of development, the unity and independence of the country,” he said.

Putin also repeated a promise he had made previously in the context of the war in Ukraine, that those loyal will be rewarded.

“I will do everything so that people who have shown their best human and professional qualities prove their loyalty to the Fatherland by deeds and take leading positions in public administration, in the economy – in all spheres,” he said.

In line with the constitution, Putin will appoint a new government following his inauguration. The government of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin resigned at the start of the new presidential term.

Putin concluded by saying that Russia will become “more dynamic, even more powerful.”

“We are a united and great people, and together we will overcome all obstacles and bring all our plans to life. Let’s win together!”

Ukraine said the inauguration sought to create “the illusion of legality for the nearly lifelong stay in power of a person who has turned the Russian Federation into an aggressor state and the ruling regime into a dictatorship.”

[Edited by Rajnish Singh]

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