At the inauguration of Vladimir Putin, France represented despite the war in Ukraine

RUSSIA – A ritual that the politician knows only too well. Vladimir Putin was inaugurated president for a fifth term at the head of Russia, this Tuesday, May 7, in a context of a push by Russian troops on the Ukrainian front. During this inauguration, the head of state took the oath and delivered a short speech, in which he promised the Russians that they would “ would win together » , Ukraine.

For the occasion, certain foreign representatives agreed to participate in the ceremony, despite the war in Ukraine. This is the case of France, where Pierre Lévy, the French ambassador to Moscow, went there to represent the country, indicates AFP.

However, other European countries, such as Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic, have signaled that they will not send representatives, in order to mark their opposition to the Kremlin’s policies. The United States, Canada and Great Britain also added that they would not send representatives, for the same reasons.

This year, the inauguration coincides with a more favorable situation on the front for the Russian army. Russian assaults in eastern Ukraine have increased in intensity in recent weeks, and have allowed the gradual conquest of several localities, in particular in the area of ​​the key town of Avdiïvka, conquered in mid-February.

Opposite, kyiv’s troops are lacking ammunition and recruits after their unsuccessful offensive in the summer of 2023. They are awaiting the arrival of new American aid, while the Russian defense industry is running at full capacity. .

“We will win together”

During his inauguration speech, Vladimir Putin promised the Russians that they would win “ together “, Ukraine and that they would go out more “ strong”, of a “ hard time “in the midst of armed conflict against Ukraine.

“We will determine the destiny of Russia by ourselves and only by ourselves, for the sake of current and future generations”he further underlined in a speech also broadcast on all Russian state television channels.

The Russian president also judged “ possible ” a discussion with Westerners “ on issues of security and strategic stability »but “ only on an equal footing, respecting the interests of everyone”.

The Russian head of state, in charge for almost a quarter of a century, enjoys uncontested power in Russia after the crushing of the last dissident voices in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine. He will serve again until 2030, with the possibility of then serving another term until 2036.

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