On Tuesday, May 7, Vladimir Putin kicked off his fifth term as the Russian leader with a grand Kremlin inauguration. He’s starting another six years in office, having faced political opponents, being involved in the Ukraine conflict, and consolidated power.

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

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

He spoke about his invasion of Ukraine and the future of Russia, describing the current situation as “difficult.” “We will pass through this difficult period with dignity and become even stronger,” Putin said, adding: “We are a united and great nation, and together we will overcome all obstacles, realize everything we have planned, and together, we will win.”

The Russian leader said he considers leading the country a “sacred duty” as he was inaugurated for a fifth Kremlin term, prolonging his more than two-decade rule. “Serving Russia is a huge honor, responsibility and sacred duty,” the 71-year-old said.