The U.S. and some other world leaders refused to go to Russian President Vladimir Putin's swearing-in ceremony for his fifth term on Tuesday, although a few famous people were still there.
Putin officially became Russia's leader for at least another six years during a ceremony at the Kremlin on Tuesday.
Putin, 71, became Russia's longest-serving leader since Catherine the Great in 1796, surpassing former Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin.
As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, many world leaders, including the U.S., chose not to attend the inauguration.
During his inauguration speech, Putin criticized what he called Western leaders' "aggression" towards Russia and suggested that talks over security and strategic stability would only be possible if the West changed its approach.
“The choice is theirs: Whether they intend to continue trying to contain Russia’s development, continue the policy of aggression, the relentless pressure they have been exerting on our country for years, or seek a path to cooperation and peace,” Putin said, according to the Kremlin's website. Many important figures did not attend, but there was still a crowd to watch Putin take the oath of office.
Even though many notable people were absent, there was still a crowd to watch Putin take the oath of office.
Notable attendees included American actor Steve Seagal, who is an ally of Putin and was appointed as Russia’s special envoy to the U.S. in 2018, according to Sky News. There was a report by Sky News that Seagal called Putin the “world’s greatest leader,” and that “he’s very looking forward” to his next term, according to Newsweek. Chechnya leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a trusted ally of Putin, was also seen at the ceremony, according to Reuters. He has sent hundreds of his fighters from Chechnya, a federal republic of Russia, to assist in the country’s war against Ukraine. He has often described himself as Putin’s “foot soldier” according to the news wire. Russian Singer Yaroslav Dronov, known as SHAMAN, was also at the inauguration, dressed in a suit and tie instead of his usual leather attire. The singer has publicly supported Russia’s war against Ukraine and is well-liked by the Kremlin. Soviet and Russian composer Aleksandra Pakhmutova was also spotted, reported by Reuters.
Seven European Union member states were supposed to send envoys, including France, Greece, Hungary, Malta, Slovakia, and Cyprus, according to various media outlets.The U.S. ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, was absent, according to The Washington Post.Several key Russian officials attended the ceremony, including Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, and Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, as per Reuters.Putin’s aide, Yury Ushakov, made a comment about those who were absent, The Post reported.
Yury Ushakov, Putin's aide, said, “I believe they simply forget where they’ve been accredited, that’s it,” “They simply forget where they are posted, and most importantly, why.”The U.S. and some other global leaders did not attend Russian President Vladimir Putin's swearing-in for his fifth term on Tuesday, but some famous people were present at the ceremony. Putin took the oath for his fifth term as president at a Kremlin event on Tuesday, marking the start of another six years at least as Russia's leader., sporting a suit and tie instead of his typical leather attire. The singer has publicly supported Russia’s war against Ukraine and is well-liked by the Kremlin. Soviet and Russian composer Aleksandra Pakhmutova was also spotted, Reuters reported.
Seven European Union member states were expected to send envoys, including France, Greece and Hungary, Malta, Slovakia and Cyprus, multiple media outlets reported. The U.S. ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, was absent on leave, The Washington Post reported.
Several key Russian officials attended the ceremony, including Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, along with Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin and Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, per Reuters.
Putin’s aide, Yury Ushakov, took a swipe at those who did not show for the event, The Post reported.
“I believe they simply forget where they’ve been accredited, that’s it,” Ushakov said. “They simply forget where they are posted, and most importantly, why.”
