At a Kremlin ceremony on Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin took the oath of office for another six years. Significantly, because of Russia's role in the Ukrainian crisis, the US and other Western countries boycotted the event. Deeply entrenched in Russian politics since 1999, Putin starts his new term amid continuing hostilities.

Even at 71 years old, Putin is still a powerful player both at home and abroad. He believes that via their activities in Ukraine, Western countries are trying to weaken Russia. Close friend Sergei Chemezov underlined Putin's contribution to maintaining stability in Russia in spite of Western criticism.

With well regulated voting, Putin won reelection, excluding well-known opponents like Alexei Navalny. The abrupt death of Navalny while under detention and the repression of opposing opinions highlighted Russia's narrow political environment.

The inauguration was attended by no Western dignitaries, which highlighted the tense ties between Russia and the West. Although most EU nations, the US, Britain, Canada, and others chose not to attend the ceremony, France sent its envoy. Critics from Ukraine saw the occasion as an attempt to justify Putin's protracted leadership in the face of charges of aggression and dictatorship.

The inauguration signaled Putin's leadership continuing and spoke to continuing difficulties in Russia's ties with the outside community.