Vladimir Putin begins fifth term as Russian president after grand inauguration ceremony

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (May 7) was sworn into office at a lavish Kremlin ceremony for a record-breaking fifth term with more power than ever before.With another six-year term, the leader will remain in office until 2030.

The 71-year-old has ruled Russia since the turn of the century, and secured a fresh six-year mandate in March after winning presidential elections.

Putin said that Russiawould pass through the current "difficult" period stronger and emerge victorious.

"We will pass through this difficult period with dignity and become even stronger," Putin said at his inauguration ceremony, adding: "We are a united and great nation, and together we will overcome all obstacles, realise everything we have planned, and together, we will win."

"Serving Russia is a huge honour, responsibility and sacred duty," the 71-year-old said in the Kremlin's gilded Saint Andrew's Hall.

Less than an hour before Russian PresidentVladimirPutinwas sworn into office for a fifth term,UN rights chief Volker Turk called foran immediate halt to what he called Russia's intensifying "crackdown" on journalists and attacks on free speech.

"The continuous attacks on free speech and the criminalisation of independent journalism in Russia are very troubling," Turk said.

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"The intensification of the crackdown on journalists'independent work must immediately cease and the right to inform -- a key component of the right to freedom of expression -- needs to be upheld."

Over two years into the war in Ukraine, Putin's goal of annexing all of Ukraine is far from complete. But despite Western sanctions, by promoting manufacturing at home, sourcing the imports from 'friendly' countries, and gradually decreasing the discounts on oil exports, Putin has managed to keep the Russian economy afloat.

(With inputs from agencies)