Vladimir Putin sworn in for new six-year term with message for the West

Russian president said his rivals should stop trying to restrain development of his country and look for peace instead

Vladimir Putin begins fifth term as Russian president after orchestrated election

Guy Faulconbridge and Mark Trevelyan

Russian president Vladimir Putin said it was up the West to choose between confrontation and co-operation as he was sworn in for a new six-year term yesterday at a Kremlin ceremony that was boycotted by the United States and many of its allies.

More than two years into the war in Ukraine, Putin said he wanted to “bow” before Russia’s soldiers there and declared in his inauguration speech that his landslide re-election in March was proof the country was united and on the right track.