Vladimir Putin has begun his fifth term as Russian president in an opulent Kremlin inauguration, despite launching a devastating war in Ukraine and consolidating all power in his hands. Putin, already in office for nearly a quarter-century and the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, now holds power until 2030, with the constitutional eligibility to run for another six years.
Putin's tenure has seen a transformation of Russia, particularly after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has led to heavy sanctions from the West. Russia is now seeking support from other regimes like China, Iran, and North Korea. The key question now is what Putin, at 71 years old, will do over the course of his next six years in power, both domestically and internationally.
In Ukraine, Russian forces are gaining ground, using scorched-earth tactics as Kyiv faces shortages of men and ammunition. Ukraine has retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Russian soil. Putin has vowed to defend Russia's sovereignty and citizens, hinting at a possible confrontation with NATO and pushing for a buffer zone in Ukraine.
Domestically, Putin's popularity is tied to improving living standards for Russians. He initially promised to make Russia a top-five global economy but has shifted to a war economy, spending record amounts on defense. With another six years secured, the government may raise taxes and pressure more men to join the military.
At the start of his new term, Putin typically names a new prime minister and Cabinet. One area of focus will be the Defence Ministry, where Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has faced criticism over his conduct of the war and corruption allegations. Despite internal challenges, Putin's main adversary, opposition leader Alexei Navalny, died earlier this year in a penal colony.
Putin's next term will be crucial, shaping Russia's future both at home and on the international stage, especially as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate.
