Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Soviet Union (now Russia), is a prominent Russian politician who has served as the President and Prime Minister of Russia. Putin is known for his strong leadership, often characterized by assertive policies in both domestic and international arenas.

Putin grew up in a working-class family. He studied law at Leningrad State University, graduating in 1975. Following his graduation, he joined the Soviet security agency KGB, where he served for 16 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. During his KGB tenure, he was stationed in East Germany.

In the early 1990s, Putin transitioned to politics, working in the administration of the Mayor of Saint Petersburg, Anatoly Sobchak. He later moved to Moscow, where he held various positions in the federal government, eventually becoming the Prime Minister of Russia in 1999.

In 2000, Putin was elected as the President of Russia. He implemented economic reforms and pursued a more assertive foreign policy. After serving two terms as President, he became the Prime Minister in 2008 due to term limits, with Dmitry Medvedev serving as President. Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 after winning the election and was re-elected for a fourth term in 2018.

Putin’s presidency has been marked by controversy, including allegations of election irregularities, restrictions on the media, and concerns about human rights abuses. His foreign policy decisions, particularly concerning Ukraine and Syria, have been sources of international tension.

Vladimir Putin’s leadership style and policies have shaped modern Russia significantly. Under his tenure, Russia reasserted itself as a global power, although this assertiveness has led to tensions with Western nations. His influence on Russian politics and society has been significant, making him a controversial and consequential figure on the world stage.