Vladimir Putin begins his fifth term as Russian president in an opulent Kremlin inauguration Tuesday, after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and consolidating all power in his hands. Already in office for nearly a quarter-century and the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, Putin’s new term doesn’t expire until 2030, when he is constitutionally eligible to run for another six years. He has transformed Russia from a country emerging from economic collapse to a pariah state that threatens global security. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine that has become Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, Russia has been heavily sanctioned by the West and is turning other regimes like China, Iran and North Korea for support. The question now is what the 71-year-old Putin will do over the course of another six years, both at home and abroad. |
Japan looks into Tokyo airport crash, over 300 flights canceledPalestinian president refuses Israel's plans to occupy parts of GazaIn politically riven Pennsylvania, primary voters will pick candidates in presidential contest yearCan homeless people be fined for sleeping outside? A rural Oregon city asks the US Supreme CourtClark Laidlaw: a Scot in Super Rugby. New Hurricanes coach makes a mark.Hunter Biden indicted on multiple counts related to firearms, tax evasionOutlook for China's energy transition released at COP28Xinhua's top 10 world news events in 2023Int'l ministerial meeting calls for peace in GazaBrad Marchand caps Bruins' four