What's happened
Vladimir Putin's fifth term inauguration as Russian president is marred by boycotts from the UK, US, and EU nations, following a landslide victory in a controversial election and amid ongoing war in Ukraine.
Why it matters
The boycott of Putin's inauguration and the criticism of his re-election highlight the international community's rejection of the legitimacy of his rule. The ongoing war in Ukraine and the war crimes arrest warrant further escalate tensions and raise concerns about Putin's actions and their impact on global security.
What the papers say
The US and most European nations boycotted Putin's inauguration, with the US denouncing his re-election as undemocratic. The European Parliament passed a resolution denouncing the election as a sham. In contrast, a close Putin ally emphasized stability and continuity in Russia's path, despite Western disapproval.
How we got here
Putin's extended rule comes after years in power and amid criticism for his handling of the war in Ukraine. The conflict has led to devastating consequences, with Russia facing sanctions and seeking support from other regimes. The international community's response to Putin's actions has been mixed, with some condemning his leadership and others emphasizing stability.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia. The megacity stands on the Moskva River in the central portion of Western Russia, with a population estimated at 12.6 million residents within the city limits, while over 17 million residents in the urban