Sworn in for Fifth Term: Putin’s Dominion
In a ceremony eclipsed by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Vladimir Putin took the oath of office for his fifth presidential term on May 7, 2018. With the weight of the annexation of Crimea, the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, and the recent poisoning of a former Russian double agent and his daughter in the UK hanging over the Kremlin, Putin’s latest inauguration comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.
A Solemn Oath
Putin, dressed in a dark suit, placed his right hand on a copy of the Russian Constitution and recited the oath of office in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow. I swear in exercising the powers of the President of the Russian Federation to respect and protect the rights and freedoms of man and citizen, to observe and protect the Constitution of the Russian Federation, to protect the sovereignty and independence, security and territorial integrity of the state, to serve the people faithfully, he declared.
A Nation Divided
Putin’s victory in the March 2018 presidential election was marred by allegations of vote-rigging and suppression of dissent. The opposition movement, led by Alexei Navalny, has accused the Kremlin of fabricating the results to ensure Putin’s re-election.
International Condemnation
The international community has largely condemned Putin’s actions, with many countries imposing sanctions on Russia in response to the annexation of Crimea and the downing of MH17. The United States, the European Union, and Canada have all placed asset freezes and travel bans on Russian officials and oligarchs.
A Legacy of Dominance
Putin, who has ruled Russia since 1999, has overseen a period of economic growth and geopolitical assertiveness. However, his regime has also been marked by authoritarian rule, suppression of dissent, and corruption.
Crimea and MH17
In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, a peninsula in southern Ukraine, following a controversial referendum held after Russian troops seized control of the region. Western governments condemned the annexation as a violation of international law.
In 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. An international investigation concluded that the plane was shot down by a Russian-made Buk missile fired from separatist-held territory.
Sergei and Yulia Skripal Poisoning
In March 2018, former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned in the UK with a nerve agent known as Novichok. The UK government accused Russia of being responsible for the attack, a charge that Russia has denied.
Conclusion
Vladimir Putin’s inauguration for a fifth presidential term marks a continuation of his long dominance over Russia. With international tensions high and domestic dissent suppressed, it remains to be seen how Putin will guide Russia through this turbulent period.
Kind regards
E. Thompson