Vladimir Putin

Владимир Путин (08-03-2024) (crop)

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (Russian: Владимир Владимирович Путин; born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer serving as the President of Russia since 7 May 2012, previously holding the position from 2000 until 2008. He was also the Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012. Putin is the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin, having been in power for over two decades.

Early Life and Education

Putin was born in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, on 7 October 1952. He graduated from Leningrad State University in 1975 with a degree in law. He then joined the KGB, the Soviet Union's main security agency, and served for 16 years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before resigning in 1991 to enter politics in Saint Petersburg.

Political Career

Putin's political career began in the administration of the Mayor of Saint Petersburg, Anatoly Sobchak. In 1996, he moved to Moscow and joined the administration of President Boris Yeltsin, quickly rising through the ranks to become head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB, and then Secretary of the Security Council.

In August 1999, Yeltsin appointed Putin as Prime Minister. Within a few months, Yeltsin resigned, and Putin became Acting President on 31 December 1999. He won his first presidential election in March 2000 and was re-elected in 2004. Due to constitutional term limits, Putin did not run for the presidency in 2008 but was appointed Prime Minister by his successor, Dmitry Medvedev. Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 following a controversial election and was re-elected in 2018.

Presidency

During his presidency, Putin has focused on domestic affairs, such as economic reform, national security, and consolidating power. He has been credited with restoring political stability and economic progress to Russia, though his tenure has also been marked by allegations of corruption, suppression of political opposition, and the erosion of democratic freedoms.

Internationally, Putin has pursued an assertive foreign policy. He has sought to reassert Russia's status as a global power, challenging Western dominance and intervening in conflicts in Chechnya, Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria. His annexation of Crimea in 2014 led to international sanctions against Russia and a significant deterioration in relations with the West.

Personal Life

Putin is known for his secretive personal life. He was married to Lyudmila Putina from 1983 until their divorce in 2014. They have two daughters, Maria and Katerina. Putin is also a judo black belt and has a keen interest in outdoor activities.

Legacy

Putin's legacy is complex and controversial. Supporters admire him for revitalizing Russia's prestige and stability, while critics accuse him of authoritarianism, undermining democratic institutions, and violating human rights.