Russian President Vladimir Putin was sworn in for his fifth term in an inauguration ceremony in Moscow.
Note: This transcript presents what Putin said and as he said - it may contain a selective view of information to argue Russia’s case for its invasion of Ukraine. Russia refers to the Russia-Ukraine War as a special military operation.
Here is the full text transcript of the speech:
Dear citizens of Russia! Ladies and Gentlemen! Dear friends!
In these solemn and responsible minutes of assuming the office of the President, I would like to sincerely thank the citizens of Russia in all regions of our country, the residents of our historical lands, who defended the right to be together with the Motherland.
I want to bow to our heroes, participants in the special military operation, everyone who fights for the Fatherland.
Once again, I thank you for your trust and support, and now I am addressing every citizen of Russia.
I just took the words of the presidential oath. Its text concentrates the essence of the highest mission of the head of state - to protect Russia and serve our people.
I understand that this is a huge honor, responsibility and sacred duty. This is what determined the meaning and content of my work in previous years. I assure you that in the future the interests and safety of the people of Russia will remain above all else for me.
The consolidated will of millions of people is a colossal force, evidence of our common firm belief that we will determine the fate of Russia ourselves and only ourselves for the sake of today and future generations.
You, citizens of Russia, have confirmed the correctness of the country's course. This is of great importance right now, when we are faced with serious challenges. I see in this a deep understanding of our common historical goals, a determination to adamantly defend our choice, our values, freedom and the national interests of Russia.
I am confident that we will pass through this difficult, milestone period with dignity, become even stronger and will definitely implement long-term plans and large-scale projects aimed at achieving development goals.
And this is, first of all, saving people. I am confident that support for centuries-old family values and traditions will continue to unite public and religious associations, political parties, and all levels of government.
Our decisions on the development of the country and regions must be effective and fair, and improve the well-being and quality of life of Russian families.
We have been and will be open to strengthening good relations with all countries that see Russia as a reliable and honest partner. And this is truly the global majority.
We do not refuse dialogue with Western states. The choice is theirs: do they intend to continue trying to restrain the development of Russia, continue the policy of aggression, continuous pressure on our country for years, or look for a path to cooperation and peace.
I repeat: a conversation, including on issues of security and strategic stability, is possible. But not from a position of strength or with arrogance, conceit and personal exclusivity, - only on equal terms, respecting each other’s interests.
Together with our partners in Eurasian integration and other sovereign development centers, we will continue to work to form a multipolar world order and an equal and indivisible security system.
In a complex world that is rapidly changing, we must be self-sufficient and competitive, opening new horizons for Russia, as has happened more than once in our history.
But it is important for us to remember its lessons, not to forget about the tragic price of internal turmoil and upheaval. Therefore, our state and socio-political system must be strong and absolutely resistant to any challenges and threats, ensure the progression and stability of development, the unity and independence of the country.
At the same time, stability does not mean stagnation. Our state and social system must be flexible and create conditions for renewal and movement forward.
We see how the atmosphere in society has changed, how highly reliability, mutual responsibility, sincerity, decency, nobility and courage are valued today. I will do everything so that people who have shown their best human and professional qualities prove their loyalty to the Fatherland by deeds and take leading positions in public administration, in the economy - in all spheres.
We must ensure reliable continuity in the development of the country for decades to come, raise and educate young generations who will strengthen the power of Russia, develop our statehood, which is based on interethnic harmony, preserving the traditions of all peoples living in Russia, a country-civilization united by the Russian language and our multinational culture.
Dear friends!
I will do everything necessary, everything in my power to justify your trust, and to do this I will use all the powers of the head of state, which are enshrined in the Constitution. At the same time, I would like to emphasize: the results of this work depend decisively on our unity and cohesion, on our common desire to benefit the Fatherland, protect it, and work with full dedication.
Today, in fact, we are answerable to our thousand-year history and our ancestors. They conquered seemingly inaccessible heights, because they always put their Motherland first, they knew that they could only achieve truly great goals together with their country and their people, and they created a world power, our Fatherland, and achieved such triumphs as who still inspire us today.
We confidently look forward, plan our future, outline and are already implementing new projects and programs that are designed to make our development even more dynamic, even more powerful.
We are a united and great people, and together we will overcome all obstacles and bring all our plans to life. Let's win together!
