Vladimir Putin delivers inaugural address as he begins fifth term as Russian president
On May 7, Vladimir Putin was sworn in for his fifth term as Russian president. The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the gilded Grand Kremlin Palace, was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, and Chechnya Governor Ramzan Kadyrov, as well as numerous other chosen dignitaries. Shortly after taking the oath of office (in which he vowed to defend “human and civil rights and liberties”), Putin addressed the assembled crowd. The following is an abridged retelling of his speech.
I want to thank the citizens of Russia. I want to pay tribute to our heroes — participants of the “special military operation.” Being president is a tremendous honor, responsibility, and sacred duty. With your choice, you have confirmed that the country is on the right course. This holds significance now at a time when we are facing serious challenges. I am confident that we will successfully navigate through this difficult period and emerge even stronger — and that the support of age-old family values will continue to unite us all.
We are open to strengthening relations with all countries. We do not refuse dialogue with the West. The choice is theirs: hold Russia back and continue aggression, or seek a path to cooperation. Dialogue is possible, including on security issues. But on equal footing, without any arrogance or bluster. We bear responsibility to our thousand-year history. Our progress will be even more dynamic and even more robust. We are one people, and together, we will we will make our visions a reality. Together, we will triumph.
