Vladimir Putin will be officially sworn in as Russian president for a new six-year term today, although many Western nations have said they will not be attending the ceremony.
By Ivor Bennett, Moscow correspondentToday's ceremony will be the fifth occasion Vladimir Putin has been sworn in as Russia's president, and it marks the start of another six years at the top.He is already the Kremlin's longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin, having been in power for nearly two and a half decades - 20 years as president, four as prime minister.By the end of this term, only Catherine the Great will be ahead of him - she ruled Russia way back in the 18th century.
0 is no surprise, of course. His victory in March's election was a given. The only question was his level of support. Officially, he won 87% of the vote, which was widely condemned by Western governments as being neither free nor fair.The latest polling, however, points to a similar figure. According to the independent Levada Centre, Putin's current approval ratings are 85%, not far off his all-time-high.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Ukraine in for 'difficult summer' as Russia preparing 'major offensive'It is likely to be a 'very difficult summer' for Ukrainian forces in the face of increased Russian attacks, military analyst Sean Bell says. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.
Read more »
Vladimir Putin flaunts captured US tanks and British armoured cars from UkraineVladimir Putin has put captured US tanks and British armoured cars from the front lines in Ukraine on display in Moscow.
Read more »
Putin CANCELS Victory Day military parades across Russia over fears deadly Ukraine drones could slip...Russian President Vladimir Putin presides over huge military Victory Day parade in Moscow
Read more »
Putin orders nuke weapons test as Russia warns Western troops deployed inside Ukraine will spark...Putin orders nuke weapons test as Russia warns Western troops deployed inside Ukraine will spark ‘worldwide catastrophe’
Read more »
Russia is sure to lose in Ukraine, reckons a Chinese expert on RussiaFeng Yujun says the war has strained Sino-Russian relations
Read more »
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Russia could be shifting battlefield focusRussia's focus on the battlefield may be shifting to areas other than around Avdiivka, according to a thinktank. Meanwhile, fire has broken out at a Russian oil refinery after Ukrainian drone attacks. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.
Read more »