President Vladimir Putin has been sworn for a record-breaking fifth term as Russia’s leader. In a lavish Tuesday ceremony at Andreyevsky Hall in the Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin swore an oath of allegiance by placing his right hand on Russia’s constitution. The ceremony—widely boycotted by Western diplomats following what election watchdogs called a sham vote in March—marked the start of a new six-year presidential term. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] “We are a united and great people and together we will overcome all obstacles, we will bring to life everything we have planned.