07 May 2024 | 08:32 AM UTC
Russia: Heightened security and road closures reported in Moscow May 7 ahead of presidential inauguration
Heightened security reported in Moscow, Russia, May 7 ahead of presidential inauguration. Disruptions likely. Protests possible.
Authorities have imposed heightened security and road closures in central Moscow on May 7 ahead of the inauguration of President Vladimir Putin. The presidential inauguration will take place at the Grand Kremlin Palace at 12:00. Police have closed multiple roads leading to and in the vicinity of the Kremlin, including Ilyinka Street, Varvarka Street, Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge, Vasilyevsky Spusk Square, Moskvoretskaya Street, Kremlin Embankment, and Moskvoretskaya Embankment. Access to Red Square, New Square, and Old Square will likely be restricted. Police and military units will deploy in the vicinity of the Kremlin for a ceremonial parade and gun salute following the inauguration.
Although the inauguration itself will likely pass off peacefully, small pickets by anti-Putin, anti-war, or opposition activists cannot be ruled out; they will likely be swiftly dispersed by security forces who could be quick to use force. Heightened security measures will likely persist in the vicinity of the Kremlin through the late afternoon. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely.
Allow extra time to reach destinations if traveling near the Kremlin on May 7. Remain cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Avoid any demonstrations that may materialize. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Heed the instructions of local authorities.
Putin will officially begin his fourth term as president following the May 7 inauguration after winning over 88 percent of the vote in the March 15-17 presidential election. Putin faced little credible opposition during his campaign after electoral authorities barred several candidates from competing. Opposition activists and supporters of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who died in prison shortly before the election, staged small protests and conducted acts of civil disobedience on poll days. Although these were minimally disruptive and did not affect the outcome of the vote, similar acts and protests are possible in Moscow on May 7.
