‘Tsar’ Putin tells the West: Russia will talk only on equal terms
Putin was honored like a Russian tsar at his swearing-in for a new six-year presidential term. He indicated that Russia is prepared for victory in Ukraine and is willing to engage in dialogue with the West, but only if there is no arrogance from the United States and its allies. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has strained relations between Russia and the West, with the West viewing Putin as an autocrat and war criminal. Despite criticism of the election process, Putin remains popular in Russia, winning 88% of the vote in the March election. The West boycotted his swearing-in ceremony, but Russian officials dismissed this as insignificant. Putin’s allies praise him for bringing stability to Russia, and there is no clear successor to him.