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Vladimir Putin thanks soldiers ‘fighting for our motherland’ as he is inaugurated for fifth time

Vladimir Putin thanks soldiers 'fighting for our motherland' as he is inaugurated for fifth time

Vladimir Putin has thanked soldiers “fighting for our motherland” in Ukraine – as he was sworn in as Russian president for a fifth time.

Tuesday’s inauguration marks the start of another six years at the top for Mr Putin.

He is already the Kremlin’s longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin, having been in power for nearly two-and-a-half decades – 20 years as president, four as prime minister.

By the end of this term, only Catherine the Great will be ahead of him – she ruled Russia way back in the 18th century.

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