Vladimir Putin has begun his fifth term as Russian president, taking the oath of office in a grand Kremlin ceremony. Although the red carpet was known, much has changed since Putin came to power in 2000.
The conflict with Ukraine has taken a toll on Russia, and democratic principles have been undermined in the country. Experts believe Putin now sees himself as the czar of Russia and has accepted the way of an imperialist. His tenure is longer than in the US.
President and several British prime ministers together, and the term “Putinism” has emerged to describe his style of governance. Dealing with a determined nuclear-armed Russian leader is a challenge for the West, experts say, as a form of international governance.
Despite winning more than 87% of the vote in the recent presidential election, Putin faced no significant challenge, and Russians have a different perspective. As Putin begins his fifth term, Russia’s future under his leadership remains uncertain.
