The Inauguration: Vladimir Putin is Sworn in as President of Russia in Kremlin Palace

The St. Alexander, St. George, and St. Andrew Halls of the Kremlin Palace are crowded with guests. Here are members of the Russian parliament, judges of the Constitutional Court Russian politicians, entrepreneurs, famous athletes, and social activists all who served their Fatherland during Putin's previous presidential term.

At 11:46 a.m. the opening ceremony was announced. Soldiers from the Presidential Regiment carry the flag of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Banner. After that, a soldier carries the Presidential Emblem, a symbolic replica of the Order of National Merit First Degree, a golden Greek cross covered with ruby enamel. And, of course, a special edition of the Constitution which is stored in president's personal library in the Kremlin. Once in six years, it's used during the swearing-in ceremony.

 

Chairs of both chambers of the Russian parliament, Valentina Matviyenko and Vyacheslav Volodin, come to the podium. President of the Constitutional Court, Valery Zorkin.

11:53 a.m. The president is currently in his study in the Senate Wing of the Kremlin. Rare footage. Putin heads for the exit through the long halls of the Kremlin. A car is waiting for Putin in the inner court of the Senate Wing. The Kortezh — a new Russian limousine with a single modular platform designed specifically for the inauguration. From now on, it'll be the main means of transportation for the head of the state. Unlike the previous inauguration, the presidential convoy only has to cover a small distance today. From the Senate wing, past the Tsar Cannon the Belfry of Ivan the Great, and the Tsar Bell. The convoy makes its last turn onto Borovitskaya Street and stops in front of the main entrance of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The Kremlin governor reports in: "Comrade President of the Russian Federation, Commandant Lt. Gen Khlebnikov of the Moscow Kremlin. Please".

11:58 a.m. Each minute's been calculated. The bells chime while the head of the state enters the St. Andrew Hall.

Vladimir Putin goes up the front stairs accompanied by the special inaugural fanfare. The President passes many guests on his way through the long enfilade. He even manages to greet some of them. The guests are captured in this historic moment.

President of the Constitutional Court, Valery Zorkin, asks Vladimir Putin to swear in.

Vladimir Putin takes his oath holding his right hand on the special issue of the Constitution. It consists of just 33 words but some of them are of vital importance: sovereignty, independence, integrity and national security.

Vladimir Putin: "I vow, in performing my duties as President of the Russian Federation, to respect and protect human rights and civil liberties, to obey and defend the Constitution, to protect the sovereignty, independence, security, and integrity of the state and to serve the people faithfully".

President of the Constitutional Court, Valery Zorkin: “Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has been inaugurated as the President of Russia”.

The Russian hymn is performed by the orchestra. The guests sing along with the choir.

A copy of the Presidential Banner is raised above the Kremlin.

In his speech, the President addressed the guests and the people of Russia.

Vladimir Putin: "As I am about to take office as the President of Russia I am keenly aware of the colossal responsibility towards each and every one of you and towards our entire multi-ethnic people. I am aware of my responsibility towards Russia, a country of great victories and accomplishments towards the history of the Russian state that goes back centuries and towards our ancestors. Their courage, relentless work, undefeatable unity, and the way they sanctified their land are eternal examples of their dedication to their Fatherland. I consider it my duty and the meaning of my entire life to do everything for Russia; its present and future, to ensure that it is peaceful and prosperous to preserve and perpetuate our great people and bring prosperity to every family in Russia. Let me assure you that, just as before, I will devote my life and work to serving the people and our Fatherland. This is my utmost aspiration. I would like to thank the citizens of Russia for their unity for believing that together we can change many things for the better".

The President speaks about the necessity to keep up with the times. However, Russia will determine its future on its own. We are in favor of equitable cooperation, peace, and stability on our planet.

Vladimir Putin: "The country’s security and defense capability are reliably assured. We will continue to pay the necessary, close attention to these issues. But now, we must use all of the opportunities which are available to us primarily to address the most vital domestic development objectives to achieve an economic and technological breakthrough and to enhance competitiveness in the spheres which will determine the future. A new quality of life, well-being, security, and health of the people are our main goals and the focus of our policies. Our reference point is Russia for the people a country of opportunities for self-fulfillment for every person".

As the head of the state, Putin's ready to do everything to increase the power and glory of Russia. Especially now, when we're facing new challenges that require us to work especially hard.

Vladimir Putin: "By having all people who care for their country and its future work together we will definitely deliver on our objectives and achieve breakthroughs in research and technology. Together, we can bring to fruition our plans to upgrade cities and villages, and develop regions across Russia. We will be proactive in conducting a modern social policy that caters to the needs of every individual and every Russian family, improving the quality of education and healthcare. We will pay special attention to supporting the traditional family values motherhood and childhood so that more and more wanted and healthy babies are born in Russia who go on to become smart and talented people. It will be they, our children, who will continue our efforts to develop the country and achieve even greater success than their parents while respecting the history of our Fatherland. There is no doubt that we will succeed! This is what I believe. I will do everything in my power to achieve this".

"Glory be to you my Russia".

Accompanied by an artillery salvo, the President heads to the Cathedral Square to meet the Presidential Regiment. On the day of the inauguration, the Regiment celebrates its 82nd anniversary.

- Regiment!  Dress! Ready, front! Present arms!

- Comrade President of the Russian Federation the Presidential Regiment, through your assumption of office as President of Russia, stands ready.

Vladimir Putin: "Greetings, comrades!".

- Greetings, Mr. President of the Russian Federation, sir!

Vladimir Putin: "I congratulate you on the 82nd anniversary of the Regiment".

- Ura, ura, ura!

As the freshly inaugurated president, Putin supervises the parade of the Regiment. On the Kremlin's square, guests watch the parade of the Presidential Regiment with Putin. Of course, there are many young people here, many of them know Putin personally because they were working on some projects together.

A historic souvenir photo with the president.

Dimitri Petrov, Maria Rodimova Vesti.