Putin takes Russian presidential oath: Live updates
Russian President-elect Vladimir Putin has taken the oath of office at a ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow on Tuesday, after securing his fifth term in the highest office with a record 87.28% of the vote in March.
The ceremony was held at the Grand Kremlin Palace, after the 71-year-old leader took a short car ride to the location from his workplace. The current protocol was first used in 1996, when Boris Yeltsin assumed his second term in office.
Dozens of dignitaries, including senior officials from parliament and the constitutional court, will attend. The heads of all foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Moscow – including those from ‘unfriendly states’ – were also invited, as required by protocol. Other distinguished guests received invitations for holding high merits or representing major religions in Russia.
After taking the 33-word oath to serve the Russian people, which is enshrined in the country’s constitution, Putin will be officially declared the president of Russia for the next six years.
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07 May 2024
09:36 GMTAs the inauguration ceremony wrapped up, Putin oversaw a parade of the elite Presidential Regiment.
- 09:33 GMT
Russia’s ability to surmount major challenges depends on whether it remains united as well as a “shared desire to bring benefit to the motherland,” Putin has said.
- 09:31 GMT
Russia must be self-sufficient and competitive, Putin stressed, adding that the political system should be robust and sustainable, but also flexible. Moscow’s key priorities involve preserving centuries-old values and traditions, he said.
- 09:22 GMT
Russia is and will continue to be open to forging close ties with all countries that see it as a reliable partner, Putin noted. “We don’t refuse a dialogue with Western nations. The ball is in their court,” he said, adding that further relations depend on whether the West persists in its attempts to deter and pressure Moscow.
- 09:20 GMT
Hailing the service members taking part in the Ukraine operation, Putin promised that Russia’s national security and interests will be a top priority for him.
- 09:15 GMT
Putin has started his inauguration address, thanking fellow citizens in all regions, including residents in Russia’s “historical lands who defended their right to be together with their motherland.” He was apparently referring to four former Ukrainian territories that voted overwhelmingly to join Russia in 2022.
- 09:07 GMT
Putin took the presidential oath while placing his hand on the Russian Constitution. “I swear in exercising the powers of the president of the Russian Federation to respect and protect the rights and freedoms of every citizen, to respect and defend the Constitution of the Russian Federation, to protect the sovereignty and independence, security and integrity of the state, to faithfully serve the people,” Putin stated.
After taking the oath, he was officially proclaimed president of Russia, ushering in his fifth term in office.
- 09:02 GMT
Putin has arrived at the Grand Kremlin Palace where he was saluted by the Kremlin superintendent, and entered St. Andrew Hall where he will deliver his inaugural address.
- 08:58 GMT
The presidential motorcade has left for the Grand Kremlin Palace, with Putin in the Aurus Senate presidential limousine.
- 08:42 GMT
The presidential inauguration ceremony has begun. Kremlin guards are bringing the presidential banner and the national tricolor into the hall.
