Putin begins fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever

News Snapshot:

Open this photo in gallery: Russian President Vladimir Putin walks before his inauguration ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow on May 7.Alexander Vilf/Reuters Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday 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. 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. “We are a united and great...