Russian President Vladimir Putin has been sworn in for his fifth consecutive term in a ceremony held at the St. Andrew's Hall in Moscow's Grand Kremlin Palace. Despite boycotts from several countries, including the United States and the European Union, Putin took the oath of office, as reported by Reuters.

The inauguration took place today, Tuesday, May 7, with Putin placing one hand on a special copy of the Constitution as he pledged to serve the country and its people. The event was attended by lawmakers and judges from both chambers of the Russian National Parliament. Chief Justice Valery Zorkin officially declared Putin as the president following the oath-taking ceremony.

Under the current constitution, Putin's term will last for six years. At 71 years old, Putin assumes the role of Russia's president for the fifth time after securing 87 percent of the vote in March's presidential election. Despite the international controversies surrounding his presidency, Putin's leadership continues in Russia's political landscape.