Vladimir Putin began his fifth term as Russian president at a palace in Moscow in front of a crowd of faces – including actor Steven Seagal and the leader of a biker gang.
“We are a united and great people and together we will overcome all obstacles, realise all our plans, together we will win,” he said after being sworn in on Tuesday.
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At the ceremony in the gilded Grand Kremlin Palace, Mr Putin placed his hand on the Russian Constitution and vowed to defend it as a crowd of hand-picked dignitaries looked on.
A number of famous faces were in the crowd waiting to see the Kremlin leader sworn in once again. They included:
American actor (and now Russian citizen) Steven Seagal
The US actor, known for films such as Under Siege and On Deadly Ground, is an ally of Mr Putin.
In 2018 he was appointed as Russia’s special envoy to the US.
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Asked why he supports Vladimir Putin, American actor Steven Seagal calls the question ‘stupid’
Head of the Chechen Republic, and Putin ally, Ramzan Kadyrov
Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov. Pic: Reuters
Ramzan Kadyrov has ruled Chechnya, a federal republic of Russia, since 2007 and enjoys considerable leeway from Mr Putin in return for ensuring the region’s stability.
He has sent thousands of his fighters to Ukraine.
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Watch: Putin sworn in for fifth term as president
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Biker gang leader Alexander Zaldostanov
Alexander Zaldostanov. Pic: Reuters
Known as ‘the surgeon’, Alexander Zaldostanov is a leader of the Night Wolves biker gang and has been accused by the US of involvement in the annexation of Crimea.
Actor Ivan Okhlobystin
Actor Ivan Okhlobystin. Pic: Reuters
A former priest, Ivan Okhlobystin is a Russian actor and director.
Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin and defence minister Sergei Shoigu
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (right). Pic: Reuters
There were also a host of political and military figures at the ceremony, including defence minister Sergei Shoigu and Mr Putin’s deputy prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin.
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
