On Monday, Vladimir Putin was inaugurated as president for the fourth time.
Putin won re-election overwhelmingly in March, extending his grip over Russia for six more years. By the end of his fourth term, he will have ruled over the country for 24 years, making him Moscow's longest-serving leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
The ceremony, which is taking place in the Grand Kremlin Palace, began at noon, local time. You can follow a live translation on several state media channels, including Channel One.
Following the ceremony and a short speech, Putin is expected to name the new prime minister. There is little doubt that the incumbent Dmitry Medvedev will hold on to his post.
— Fun fact: It is the first time Putin will be inaugurated without his wife present, having divorced from Lyudmila in 2013.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
