MOSCOW, May 7: President Vladimir Putin vowed at a lavish inauguration on Tuesday to deliver victory to Russians, embarking on a record-breaking fifth term with more power than ever. Putin, however, conceded that Russia was going through a "difficult" period, an apparent reference to the unprecedented sanctions packages the West has imposed on Moscow for having launched full-scale military hostilities in Ukraine more than two years ago. The 71-year-old Kremlin chief has ruled Russia since the turn of the century, securing a fresh six-year mandate in March after winning presidential elections devoid of all opposition. The highly-orchestrated inauguration ceremony, which included a military procession and Orthodox prayer service, was broadcast live on major Russian television channels. European countries including Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic signalled they would not send representatives amid soured tensions over the conflict in Ukraine.
"We are a united and great nation, and together we will overcome all obstacles, realise everything we have planned, and together, we will win," the Russian leader said after being sworn in to office. Putin, who has said that his forces will be victorious in Ukraine, whatever the cost, said the country would emerge "with dignity and become even stronger". After standing alone in the rain and overseeing columns of armed guards and calvary parade in ceremonial uniform, Putin was blessed by the leader of the Orthodox Chuch, Patriarch Kirill. "May God help you continue carrying out your servitude that he himself has entrusted on you," the Orthodox leader said. He compared Putin to medieval ruler Alexander Nevsky and wished him eternal rule. "Serving Russia is a huge honour, responsibility and sacred duty," Putin had said in the Kremlins gilded Saint Andrews Hall. —AFP
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