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.
Coach Amorim vows to stay with Sporting Lisbon after winning another Portuguese league
Let's Get Wellington Moving project 'a bit of a disaster'
China endorses Hong Kong national security law as debate delayed by politician hurling rotten plant
James Corden appears in good spirits as he arrives with glamorous wife Julia Carey at the pre
Serious Fraud Office's appeal against NZ First Foundation acquittal dismissed
Wilmer Valderrama talks NCIS franchise's 1,000th episode, show's enduring legacy
Winston Peters 'not going back' on co
Revealed: Bernard Hill's touching seven
Donald Trump disqualified from Maine ballot in US presidential primary
Liam Gallagher rents swanky £17,000
Event: Asia’s budding filmmakers prepare for Shorties Film Festival 2020