Early Life and Education
Putin showed an early interest in sports, particularly judo and sambo, and achieved the rank of black belt in judo He graduated Leningrad State University a degree in low in 1975. It was during his university years that he joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) and met Anatoly Sobchak, a professor who would later become a significant political influence and mentor.
KGB Career
After Graduation, Putin began his career in the KGB, the Soviet Union's main security agency.
He Leningrad underwent training at the 401st KGB School Okhta.Putin's His career took him to Dresden, East Germany, where he served from 1985 to 1990, primarily in counter-intelligence. His work involved monitoring the loyalty of
the East German leadership and recruiting agents.with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union, Putin returned to Leningrad (Saint Petersburg) and transitioned into a political
career.
Political Rise
Back in Leningrad, Putin began working at the International Affairs section of Leningrad State
University, where he reconnected with Anatoly Sobchak, now the mayor of the
city. He became Sobchak's adviser and later, head of the Committee for External
Relations of the Saint Petersburg Mayor's Office, responsible for promoting
international investments.
Putin moved to Moscow in 1996 and joined the administration of President Boris Yeltsin. His
roles included being the Deputy Chief of the Presidential Property Management
Department and later, the Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff, where he managed
relations with the regions.
Prime Minister and Acting President
in August 1999, Yeltsin appointed Putin as Prime Minister of Russia. When Yeltsin resigned on
On December 31, 1999, Putin became the Acting President. His early presidency was
marked by efforts to restore order to a country beset by economic turmoil and
the Chechen War.
Presidency First Term
(2000-2004): Putin won the presidential election in March 2000. His first term focused on stabilizing the Russian economy, centralizing power, and restoring state control over key industries. He implemented tax reforms, revived the military, and quelled the Chechen insurgency.
Second Term (2004–2008): Reelected in 2004, Putin continued his policies of economic growth and state control. Russia's economy benefited from rising oil prices, leading to improved living standards. However, his tenure also saw increased restrictions on media freedom and political opposition.
prime minister (2008–2012): Due to constitutional term limits, Putin did not seek a third consecutive term in 2008. Instead, he became Prime Minister under President Dmitry Medvedev. During this period, Putin remained the dominant political figure, and the tandem leadership was often seen as a strategic move to maintain his power.
Third Term (2012-2018): Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 amid widespread protests and allegations of electoral fraud. His third term was characterized by heightened nationalism, the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and a more assertive foreign policy, particularly in Syria and Ukraine.
Fourth Term (2018-Present): Putin was reelected in 2018. His fourth term has seen continued
tensions with Western countries, economic challenges due to sanctions and
global oil price fluctuations, and significant constitutional changes that
could allow him to extend his influence beyond 2024.
Personal Life
Putin was married to Lyudmila Shkrebneva from 1983 until their divorce in 2013. They have two
daughters, Maria and Katerina. Putin is known for his strongman image, often
portrayed engaging in various physical activities such as judo, horseback
riding, and ice hockey.
Legacy
Vladimir Putin's leadership has profoundly shaped modern Russia. Supporters credit him with restoring stability and national pride, while critics accuse him of eroding democratic institutions and suppressing dissent. His influence on Russia politics and international affairs remains significant, and his legacy will is likely to be debated for years to come.
