Moscow, May 7: Vladimir Putin took office as President of Russia for the fifth time on Tuesday in a grand ceremony at the Kremlin, and voiced confidence his country will emerge even stronger despite the tough conditions due to the Ukraine conflict. He also said Moscow is open to talks with the West, “but not to negotiations from a position of strength”.
Putin, whose new six-year presidential term lasts until 2030, took the oath to the people of Russia in the presence of Federation Council members, members of the State Duma and judges of the Russian Constitutional Court. Constitutional Court President Valery Zorkin officially declared Vladimir Putin as the new President of the Russian Federation.
Afterwards, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, reviewed the Presidential Regiment on Cathedral Square to mark his inauguration. The President congratulated the Presidential Regiment on its 88th anniversary.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia held a thanksgiving service at the Annunciation Cathedral in the Kremlin.
In his speech at the inauguration ceremony as President of Russia, Putin thanked the people of Russia “for the trust you have placed in me and for your unwavering support. These words are directed to every citizen of Russia”.
“You, the citizens of Russia, have confirmed that the country is on the right course. This is of great importance right now, as we face serious challenges. I see this as your deep awareness of our common historical goals, and unwavering resolve to defend our choices, our values, our freedom and Russia’s national interests,” he said, in reference to Ukraine and the Western sanctions against Russia.
“I am confident that we will pass through this difficult pivotal period with dignity and emerge even stronger. We will undoubtedly accomplish everything we have planned for the long term, all the far-reaching projects aimed at achieving our development goals.”
He stressed on family values and age old traditions and said these will continue to unite public and religious associations, political parties, and all levels of government.
On foreign relations, he said that Moscow has been and “will continue to be open to strengthening good relations with all countries that view Russia as a reliable and honest partner. Indeed, those constitute the global majority.”
On dialogue with the West, he said: “We are not rejecting dialogue with Western states.
The choice is theirs: whether they intend to continue trying to contain Russia’s development, continue the policy of aggression, the relentless pressure they have been exerting on our country for years, or seek a path to cooperation and peace.
“To reiterate, we are open to talks, including on security and strategic stability, but not to negotiations from a position of strength. We are open to a conversation without arrogance, conceit or exceptionalism – a dialogue on an equal footing and with respect for each other’s interests.”
Stressing on the building of a multipolar world, he said: “Together with our partners in Eurasian integration and other sovereign development centres, we will continue to build a multipolar world and an equal and indivisible security system.”
“In this complex, rapidly-changing world, we must strive to be self-sufficient and competitive, opening up new horizons for Russia, as we have done many times throughout our history.”
He stressed that Russia “must be strong and resistant to any threats and challenges, ensuring the progressive and stable development, as well as the unity and independence of our country”.
“However, stability is not equal to inflexibility. Our state and social systems must be flexible, creating conditions for renewal and progress.
“We can see that the atmosphere in society has changed, and how much we now value reliability, responsibility, sincerity, integrity, generosity and courage. I will do everything in my power to ensure that those who have displayed these admirable human and professional traits, and who have proved their loyalty to the Fatherland through their deeds, achieve leading positions in state governance, the economy and all other spheres.”
