The inauguration ceremony for Vladimir Putin's new term as Russian president on Tuesday will be notably absent of representatives from the United States and most European Union countries, although France and some other EU states are expected to send envoys despite objections from Kyiv.

The diplomatic responses highlight the divergent approaches among Western powers towards dealing with Putin, particularly in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine over two years ago. The U.S. State Department confirmed they would not have a representative at the inauguration, citing the lack of fairness in the election process but acknowledging Putin's continuation as president.

Both Britain and Canada have decided not to send attendees to the ceremony. The timing coincides with Russia's announcement of tactical nuclear weapons drills aimed at cooling tensions with Western nations.

Putin secured a decisive victory in March's presidential election, following the death of his key opponent, Alexei Navalny, in custody. Western governments criticized the election as neither fair nor democratic.

Ukraine outright rejects recognizing Putin's presidency as legitimate, condemning the ceremony as an attempt to validate his prolonged authoritarian rule over Russia.

Although invited, the majority of EU member states will not be represented at the ceremony, with about seven planning to send delegates. France, along with Hungary and Slovakia, intends to attend, underscoring divisions within the EU over how to engage with Russia.

Germany, however, has declined to participate, highlighting ongoing discord within the EU regarding its approach to Moscow.

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that France's participation does not signal support for Russia's leadership but aims to maintain diplomatic channels without advocating for regime change.

Tensions between France and Russia have escalated, particularly with France's increased backing of Ukraine. Macron even hinted at the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine if Russia were to breach Ukrainian defenses.

The Baltic states, which no longer have diplomatic missions in Moscow, have firmly rejected attending Putin's inauguration, stressing the need for continued isolation of Russia and its leadership in response to aggression against Ukraine.