Vladimir Putin begins fifth term in glittering Kremlin ceremony

Vladimir Putin arrives for his inauguration ceremony (Sergei Bobylev/AP)

Vladimir Putin began his fifth term as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.

Already in office for nearly a quarter-century and the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, Mr Putin’s new term does not expire until 2030, when he will be constitutionally eligible to run again.