Vladimir Putin took the oath for a new six year term as Russia's president on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Constitutional Court Chairman Valery Zorkin handed Putin the symbols of presidential power including the presidential insignia -- the golden cross of St George, depicting the Russian coat of arms and a gold chain with the words 'Virtue, Honesty and Glory'.
The ceremony was boycotted by the United States and many Western countries due to Russia's war on Ukraine.
Meanwhile, his critics said Putin has eliminated his political rivals, initiated a devastating conflict in Ukraine, and consolidated all power under his control.
IMAGE: Vladimir Putin takes the oath at the Kremlin in Moscow, May 7, 2024, in this image taken from live broadcast video. Photograph: Kremlin.ru/Handout via Reuters
IMAGE: Putin places his hand on the Russian constitution as he takes the oath. Photograph: Kremlin.ru/Handout via Reuters
IMAGE: Putin seen before his inauguration ceremony, here and below. Photograph: Sputnik/Sergei Bobylev/Kremlin via Reuters
Photograph: Sputnik/Sergei Bobylev/Kremlin via Reuters
Photograph: Sputnik/Sergei Bobylev/Kremlin via Reuters
IMAGE: Honour guard of the presidential regiment carry a special copy of the Russian constitution and the president's badge before a ceremony, here and below. Photograph: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool via Reuters
Photograph: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool via Reuters
IMAGE: Guests at the ceremony inaugurating Putin as Russia's president. Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/Pool/Reuters
IMAGE: Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin arrives for the ceremony. Photograph: Alexander Nemenov/Pool via Reuters
IMAGE: Russian Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov arrives for the inauguration ceremony. Photograph: Alexander Nemenov/Pool via Reuters
IMAGE: Composer Aleksandra Pakhmutova poses for a photograph with military musicians before the ceremony. Photograph: Sputnik/Alexander Vilf/Pool via Reuters
IMAGE: Actor and producer Ivan Okhlobystin. Photograph: Sputnik/Sergei Bobylev/Kremlin via Reuters
IMAGE: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Photograph: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool via Reuters
IMAGE: Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko and Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin. Photograph: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool via Reuters
IMAGE: Hollywood actor Steven Seagal arrives for the inauguration ceremony. Photograph: Alexander Nemenov/Pool via Reuters
IMAGE: Guests at the ceremony. Photograph: Sputnik/Grigory Sysoyev/Kremlin via Reuters
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com
Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com