Vladimir Putin is one of the most well-known figures in the world today, having served as the President of the Russian Federation for over 20 years. He was first elected to the presidency in 2000, and has been either president or prime minister of Russia ever since.
Born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) in 1952, Putin grew up in a communal apartment with his parents, who both worked in factories. After finishing high school, he went to study law at Leningrad State University, where he became involved with the Communist Party. Putin then joined the KGB, the Soviet Union's security agency, and served as a foreign intelligence officer in East Germany from 1985 to 1990.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Putin returned to Leningrad and began his political career. He served as the mayor's chief of staff and then as the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the KGB's successor agency. In 1999, Russian President Boris Yeltsin appointed Putin as prime minister, and when Yeltsin resigned on December 31, 1999, Putin became acting president.
Putin was elected president in 2000, and he quickly began to consolidate power. He implemented economic reforms and cracked down on corruption, but he also restricted press freedom and human rights. He was reelected in 2004, and again in 2012, after a four-year stint as prime minister. In 2018, Putin was elected to a fourth term as president.
Throughout his time in office, Putin has been known for his assertive foreign policy. He has sought to reassert Russia's influence in the world, and has been involved in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Georgia. He has also been accused of interfering in foreign elections, including the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Domestically, Putin has been criticized for cracking down on political opposition and suppressing free speech. He has been accused of ordering the assassinations of political opponents and journalists, and of using his control over the media to shape public opinion. Putin has also been accused of enriching himself and his allies at the expense of the Russian people.
Despite these criticisms, Putin remains popular in Russia, where he is seen as a strong leader who has restored the country's standing in the world. His approval ratings are consistently high, and he has won every presidential election by a wide margin.
In recent years, Putin has faced increasing challenges, both at home and abroad. Russia's economy has struggled due to sanctions and falling oil prices, and Putin's government has faced protests over corruption and human rights abuses. Internationally, Russia's relations with the West have deteriorated, with accusations of election interference and the poisoning of a former Russian spy in the UK.
As Putin begins his fourth term as president, the world will be watching to see how he navigates these challenges and how he continues to shape Russia's role in the global community.
