Putin takes oath as President of Russia for record fifth time, says 'leading Russia a sacred duty'

Vladimir Putin began his fifth term on May 7 as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands. Already in office for nearly 1/4 century and the longest serving Kremlin leader since Joseph Stalin, Mr. Putin’s new term doesn’t expire until 2030, when he will be constitutionally eligible to run again at a ceremony inside the gilded Grand Kremlin Palace. Mr. Putin place his hand on the Russian constitution and what to defend it as a crowd of handpicked dignitaries looked on. 71 year old Putin won 87% of vote in the March presidential election. Putin succeeded President Boris Yeltsin in the waiting hours of 1999.