This is a CNBC live blog tracking developments in the Ukraine war. See below for the latest updates.
Vladimir Putin will become President of Russia for the fifth time in his political career.
Putin's allies praised the powerful leader ahead of Tuesday's inauguration ceremony in the Kremlin, saying society was united around the president, who first took office 24 years ago.
The Russian government is expected to step down after the ceremony, with a cabinet reshuffle expected in the coming days and weeks. Those close to Russian politics will be watching to see which allies, some of whom have long held cabinet posts, will maintain close ties with him and which will be demoted.
Western countries are boycotting the ceremony in light of Russia's continued invasion of Ukraine, and the United States and Britain have also refused to send diplomats to the inauguration.
Western countries largely boycott Putin's inauguration ceremony due to war
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with campaign confidants at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, March 20, 2024.
Western countries are boycotting Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, citing Russia's continued invasion of Ukraine, with the United States, Canada and Britain also refusing to send officials to the ceremony. There is.
President Putin won the general election in March with about 87% of the vote and will serve out another six years in office, but Western countries say the vote is neither free nor fair. His inauguration took place as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues into its 27th month.
“We will not have a representative at the presidential inauguration,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday.
“We certainly didn't think that election was free and fair, but he is the president of Russia and will continue to be that position,” Miller said.
Most EU member states are also not expected to send officials to the ceremony, although France, Slovakia and Hungary are expected to send representatives, according to Reuters. The news agency quoted an unnamed EU spokesperson as saying that the EU's ambassador to Russia would not attend the ceremony.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Russian government does not hold elections or inaugurations “to be appreciated, loved or hated by the West.”
— Holly Ellyatt
Putin to become president for the fifth time
President-elect Vladimir Putin prepares to be sworn in as President of Russia at St. Andrew's Hall in the Moscow Kremlin.
Vladimir Putin will become President of Russia for the fifth time in his political career.
Putin's allies praised the “strongman” leader ahead of Tuesday's inauguration ceremony in the Kremlin, saying society was rallying around the president, who first took office 24 years ago.
Before the inauguration ceremony at noon Moscow time (10 a.m. London time), Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the State Duma, was among the Russian officials to praise the president, saying, “Putin saved the country.''
“He revived Russia, restored state capacity and ensured social and economic development. Putin is good for Russia. With a strengthened society around the president, he will continue to lead Russia to a new It will lead us to victory.”
The Russian government, led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, resigned on Tuesday, with a change of government expected in the coming days or weeks.
Those close to Russian politics will be watching to see which allies Putin maintains close ties with and who gets promoted or demoted.
— Holly Ellyatt
