Vladimir Putin begins his fifth term as Russian president in an opulent Kremlin inauguration Tuesday, after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and consolidating all power in his hands.
Already in office for nearly a quarter-century and the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, Putin’s new term doesn’t expire until 2030, when he is constitutionally eligible to run for another six years.
He has transformed Russia from a country emerging from economic collapse to a pariah state that threatens global security. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine that has become Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, Russia has been heavily sanctioned by the West and is turning other regimes like China, Iran and North Korea for support.
The question now is what the 71-year-old Putin will do over the course of another six years, both at home and abroad.
Twyla Tharp dance will open 700
Qingdao top Ningbo, Sichuan losing skid reaches 18
Beijing International Film Festival to screen 47 sci
5th China Xizang Tourism and Culture Expo opens in Lhasa
Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert misses Game 2 in Denver
Singapore's outgoing prime minister will stay on as senior minister, his successor says
Legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki's new Oscar
Atletico dealt Depay injury blow for Dortmund clash
REVEALED: Michelin Guide names its first
Sancho, Reus send Dortmund to UCL quarters