Dhaka, March 19 -- Vladimir Putin has cemented his place in Russian history, with a controversial re-election victory securing him a fifth term as the country's president. With opposition non-existent and the media completely under his control, the 71-year-old's win was no surprise.

Putin begins this next term at the helm facing huge challenges triggered by his 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has made relations with the West increasingly belligerent.

As the war continues, Russia's break with the West seems unbridgeable. A new Putin term is likely to see increased emphasis on Moscow's ties with Eastern powers, experts have observed.

"As long as the war continues, and even if Ukraine is defeated, I don't think attitudes in the West will ...