Vladmir Putin delivers his future vision for Russia in his inaugural address which was attended by his close political affiliates. The election extends Putin’s political reign in Russia until at least 2030
Vladimir Putin has been sworn into his fifth term as Russia’s leader in a ceremony which was held on 7 May. This ceremonious occasion was attended by Russia’s political elite while it was boycotted by US, UK and other European envoys. This year’s sworn-in ceremony was particularly fundamental for it was happening in a middle of a raging war. His inaugural address in Moscow’s Grand Kremlin Palace, trumpeted constitutional interests which Putin took an oath always stand by.
“When exercising the powers of the president of the Russian Federation, I swear to protect the rights and freedom of our citizens, to observe and defend the constitution, and to faithfully serve the people.” Putin’s long-term vision for Russia is a bag mix of undisputed loyalty, abandoning criticism and complete surrender to “your-honor”, failing to follow his vision has landed many into unthinkable circumstances.
In his inaugural speech, Putin excited new mandate to his foreign policy, demanding from Russians there continued support to fight serious challenges which Russia is facing subsequent to clashes with the West, imposition of sanctions and the war Russia wages with Ukraine, which has left tens of thousands of Russians and Ukrainians dead. Critics wonder if any change was possible after an uncompetitive, mostly one-sided election which independent Russian election watchdog, Golos, said was not free or fair.
Putin’s vision expands to the West : “Dialogue is possible”
Downplaying the boycott of US and European diplomats who absconded from attending the event, Kremlin welcomed representatives from European countries who came to attend Putin’s sworn-in ceremony. Envoys from France, Slovakia, Hungary, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus marked their attendance in the event. Western Ambassadors for Moscow flew back to their home country a day before the inauguration after getting a call from their home office.
The malicious war which anti-Russia countries contemplates is all accredited to Putin’s lust for authoritarianism has led to astonishing crisis globally – Broken supply-chains, alarming humanitarian causalities, and thousands left impoverished. Furthering Moscow’s infiltration of Ukraine and West’s unapologetic support for the latter has only worsened any chance of cooperation between the two.
In a twist of events, Putin did mention his wish for cooperation with the West. Though his vision to subjugate Ukrainian territories and bring them under his umbrella remained rooted, he left the choice for dialogue on the West, to either contain Russia and continue the policy of aggression, or start looking for a path to peace and cooperation. “Dialogue, including on security and strategic stability, is possible, but not from a position of force, without any arrogance and swagger, but only on equal terms and with due respect for each other’s interests”, Putin added.
Putin has “No-Vision” change for Ukraine
Putin’s desire for acquiring Ukrainian territories by force or by dialogue remains unchanged. If anything, it is more resolute than ever. Putin’s fifth term would welcome changes in taxation regime to cover the cost of destruction caused by the war and western sanctions. These unpopular decisions though would impact Putin’s overall popularity, it paints a clear picture of his unswerving vision to vacate Ukraine from Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership and substitute it with his own.
Apart from the many organizational changes which Putin will be expected to execute immediately after he takes over the office, which includes nominating a new prime minister, he would also process military reformations to solidify Russia’s position on the battlefield. After the U.S. Congress passed a bill which would provide Ukraine with military aid of more than $70 billion, Kremlin has been preparing to retaliate twice as aggressively as before.
“This is of great importance right now, when we are facing serious challenges. I see in this a deep understanding of our common historical goals, a determination to steadfastly defend our choice, our values, freedom and Russia’s national interests.”
