Putin’s oath and message to the West: We do not refuse dialogue, but not from a position of strength, without arrogance, conceit and exceptionalism

Vladimir Putin officially began his fifth term as President of Russia today after a lavish inauguration at the Kremlin. Russia does not refuse to have a dialogue with Western countries, but it depends on whether they will continue to put pressure on our country or whether they will look for ways of cooperation, Putin said in the speech given in the Kremlin and written by himself. We do not refuse dialogue, but not from a position of strength, without arrogance, conceit and exceptionalism, repeated the Russian leader.

By the Observator editorial team on 05.07.2024, 15:25

Vladimir Putin was sworn in as president for the fifth time. The ceremony, directed down to the smallest detail, took place, as every time, in the great hall of St. Andrew, in the Kremlin, in front of thousands of Russian officials and representatives from countries friendly to Russia. According to Dmitry Peskov, Putin wrote his speech himself.

In his speech, Vladimir Putin thanked Russian citizens from all regions of the Federation and servicemen fighting in the “special military operation” in Ukraine, adding that “only Russia itself will determine its destiny.”

“I want to bow to our heroes, to the participants of the special military operation, to all those who fight for the motherland. Once again, thank you for your trust and support, and now I am addressing every citizen of Russia. I have just taken the presidential oath His text concentrates the essence of the highest mission of the head of state – to protect Russia and serve our people.

I understand that this is a huge honor, a responsibility and a sacred duty… I assure you that in the future the interests and safety of the Russian people will remain above all else for me,” Putin said. “I am confident that we will pass with dignity this difficult, historical period, we will become even stronger…”

Putin: We do not refuse dialogue with Western states. But not from a position of strength, without arrogance, conceit

“We do not refuse dialogue with Western states. The choice is theirs: if they want to continue trying to prevent Russia’s development, to continue the policy of aggression, the continuous pressure on our country for years, or if they want to look for a way to cooperation and peace.

I repeat: a dialogue, including on issues of security and strategic stability, is possible. But not from a position of strength, without arrogance, conceit and exceptionalism, but only on equal terms, respecting each other’s interests,” Putin said.

“Together with our partners in the Eurasian zone and other centers of sovereign development, we will continue to work to form a multipolar world order and an equal and indivisible security system. In a complex and rapidly changing world, we must be self-sufficient and competitive, opening new horizons for Russia, as has happened several times in our history.

We are a united and great people and together we will overcome all obstacles and fulfill all our plans. Together we will win!” Putin concluded his speech.

Putin’s new term expires in 2030

Putin’s new term expires in 2030, when the constitution he amended allows him to run again after destroying his political opponents, starting a war in Ukraine and seizing all power, AP comments.

At the ceremony in the gilded Grand Palace of the Kremlin, Putin laid hands on the Russian constitution and promised to defend it: “In exercising the duties of the President of the Russian Federation, I swear to respect and protect the rights and freedoms of man and citizen, to respect and I defend the constitution of the Russian Federation, to protect the sovereignty and independence, the security and integrity of the state and to faithfully serve the people.”

Another six years are coming when all eyes will be on him. European countries fear that the leader from the Kremlin could start a new military operation in the Baltic countries or in Poland. Vladimir Putin has been in charge of the country for a quarter of a century and is the longest-serving leader since Stalin.