Putin formally assumes office for fifth term with Russia under firm control.
In March, Putin triumphed in Russia's orchestrated vote, ensuring himself another six-year stretch in power, potentially carrying him well into his 77th birthday.
The majority of opposition candidates had either been killed, imprisoned, exiled, or banned from participation. With dissent outlawed in Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin faced no genuine competition.
The ceremony for his inauguration, held on Tuesday in the Kremlin, was graced by the presence of top Russian military and political figures. However, numerous foreign nations, including the United States, opted to stay away, having dismissed Russia's elections as a farce.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said, "We definitely didn't consider that election free and fair, but he's the president of Russia and will continue in that role."
This story is still being updated.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
