Vladimir Putin is beginning his fifth term as Russian president after destroying his political opposition, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and consolidating powerPutin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than everVladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands. Already in office for nearly a quarter-century and the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, Putin’s new term doesn’t expire until 2030, when he will be constitutionally eligible to run again. Since succeeding President Boris Yeltsin in the waning hours of 1999, Putin has transformed Russia from a country emerging from economic collapse to a pariah state that threatens global security. The question now is what the 71-year-old Putin will do over the course of another six years, both at home and abroad. At the start of a new term, the Russian government is routinely dissolved so that Putin can name a new prime minister and Cabinet.

Source: ABC News May 07, 2024 05:33 UTC