Vladimir Putin has officially taken office as President of Russia. In his speech after the inauguration ceremony, Putin called it a great honor, duty and sacred obligation to be in service to Russia. He also heartily thanked the citizens of Russia in all regions of the country.
The president stated that he will continue to put the interests and security of the people of Russia above all else, adding that he is confident that Russia will pass through this difficult, milestone period with dignity and become even stronger.
"I want to bow to our heroes, the members of the SMO [special military operation], all those who fight for our Fatherland," Putin noted.
According to the head of state, Russia's state system should be flexible and give the opportunity to move forward, the country has an answer to thousands of years of history and ancestors who took inaccessible heights. It is possible to achieve truly great goals only together with the people, he underlined.
Russia does not refuse dialog with Western countries, the choice is theirs, the leader said, noting that Russia will continue to work with partners on the formation of a multipolar world order.
"We look forward with confidence, we will overcome all obstacles, and together we will win!" the president highlighted.
Thirty artillery salvos were fired in honor of the president from the Kremlin Embankment. As head of the armed forces, Putin was entitled to the maximum number of shots provided for in the hierarchy of military honors.