Vladimir Putin inauguration: Steven Seagal and other famous faces spotted at Kremlin palace | World News | Sky News

Vladimir Putin inauguration: Steven Seagal and other famous faces spotted at Kremlin palace

Vladimir Putin could surpass Joseph Stalin as Russia's longest-serving leader since Catherine the Great if he completes this latest term as president.

Tuesday 7 May 2024 19:17, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

'We don't want a third country to interfere'
Why you can trust Sky News

Vladimir Putin began his fifth term as Russian president at a palace in Moscow in front of a crowd of faces - including actor Steven Seagal and the leader of a biker gang.

"We are a united and great people and together we will overcome all obstacles, realise all our plans, together we will win," he said after being sworn in on Tuesday.

Follow latest: Plot to 'kill Zelenskyy' stopped

At the ceremony in the gilded Grand Kremlin Palace, Mr Putin placed his hand on the Russian Constitution and vowed to defend it as a crowd of hand-picked dignitaries looked on.

A number of famous faces were in the crowd waiting to see the Kremlin leader sworn in once again. They included:

American actor (and now Russian citizen) Steven Seagal

U.S. actor Steven Seagal arrives for the inauguration ceremony of Russian President Vladimir Putin for his next six-year term in office, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia May 7, 2024. Alexander Nemenov/Pool via REUTERS
Image: American actor Steven Seagal arrives for the inauguration. Pic: Reuters

The US actor, known for films such as Under Siege and On Deadly Ground, is an ally of Mr Putin.

More on Russia

Related Topics:

In 2018 he was appointed as Russia's special envoy to the US.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Asked why he supports Vladimir Putin, American actor Steven Seagal calls the question 'stupid'

Head of the Chechen Republic, and Putin ally, Ramzan Kadyrov

Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov speaks to journalists after a ceremony inaugurating Vladimir Putin as President of Russia at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia May 7, 2024. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/Pool
Image: Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov. Pic: Reuters

Ramzan Kadyrov has ruled Chechnya, a federal republic of Russia, since 2007 and enjoys considerable leeway from Mr Putin in return for ensuring the region's stability.

He has sent thousands of his fighters to Ukraine.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch: Putin sworn in for fifth term as president

Read more:
US soldier detained in Russia, officials say
Russia warns over use of British weapons in Ukraine

Biker gang leader Alexander Zaldostanov

Pic: Reuters Alexander Zaldostanov also known as "Khirurg" (The Surgeon), a leader of the Night Wolves bikers' club arrives to Russia's president-elect Vladimir Putin inauguration ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia May 7, 2024. Alexander Nemenov/Pool via REUTERS
Image: Alexander Zaldostanov. Pic: Reuters

Known as 'the surgeon', Alexander Zaldostanov is a leader of the Night Wolves biker gang and has been accused by the US of involvement in the annexation of Crimea.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Actor Ivan Okhlobystin

Ivan Okhlobystin. Pic: Reuters
Image: Actor Ivan Okhlobystin. Pic: Reuters

A former priest, Ivan Okhlobystin is a Russian actor and director.

Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin and defence minister Sergei Shoigu

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu wait before a ceremony inaugurating Vladimir Putin as President of Russia at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia May 7, 2024. Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.
Image: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (right). Pic: Reuters

There were also a host of political and military figures at the ceremony, including defence minister Sergei Shoigu and Mr Putin's deputy prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin.

Related Topics