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{{Short description|President of Russia (1999–2008, 2012–present)}}
{{Infobox President
{{Redirect|Putin||Putin (disambiguation)}}
| name = Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin<br><small>Влади́мир Влади́мирович Пу́тин<small>
{{pp-move}}
| image = Russia.VladimirPutin.02.jpg
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
| order1 = ]
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
| primeminister1= ]<br>] ''(acting)''<br>]<br>]
{{very long|date=November 2024|words=19,000}}
| vicepresident1=
{{Infobox officeholder
| term_start1 = ] ]<br><small>]: ] ] &ndash; ] ]<small>
| name = Vladimir Putin
| term_end1 = <!--] ] -->
| native_name = {{nobold|Владимир Путин}}
| predecessor1 = ]
| image = Владимир Путин (08-03-2024) (cropped) (higher res).jpg<!-- Please do not change without prior talk page consensus -->
| successor1 = ] (])
| order2 = ] | caption = Putin in 2024
| office1 = ]<!-- Russia does not use succession numbers for political offices, such as "2nd" or "4th", so please do not alter without prior talk page consensus -->
| president2 = ]
| term_start1 = 7 May 2012
| term_start2 = ] ]
| term_end2 = ] ] | term_end1 =
| predecessor1 = <!-- This mention of Medvedev shows up second, after the "primeminister1 field" so please keep that one linked and this one unlinked -->Dmitry Medvedev
| predecessor2 = ]
| successor2 = ] | successor1 =
| primeminister1 = {{ubl|]|]}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1952|10|07|df=y}}
| term_start2 = 7 May 2000
| birth_place = {{flagicon|Soviet Union}} ], ], ]
| term_end2 = 7 May 2008<br /><!--Do not add small text in infoboxes per MOS:SMALL-->]: 31 December 1999 – 7 May 2000
| death_date =
| predecessor2 = ]
| death_place =
| successor2 = Dmitry Medvedev
| alma_mater = ]
| primeminister2 = {{ubl|]|]|]}}
| spouse = ]<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7230404.stm</ref>
| office3 = ]
| children = Mariya (]), Katerina (])
| religion = ] | term_start3 = 8 May 2008
| term_end3 = 7 May 2012
| party = ] (formally)<ref>, October 1, 2007, Gzt.ru</ref><ref>, October 1, 2007, Prime-tass.ru</ref>, but supports ]
| signature = Putin signature.svg | predecessor3 = Viktor Zubkov
| successor3 = Viktor Zubkov (acting)
| president3 = Dmitry Medvedev
| 1blankname3 = ]
| 1namedata3 = {{ubl|]|Viktor Zubkov|]}}
| term_start4 = 9 August 1999
| term_end4 = 7 May 2000
| president4 = Boris Yeltsin
| 1blankname4 = ]
| 1namedata4 = {{ubl|]|]|Mikhail Kasyanov}}
| predecessor4 = ]
| successor4 = Mikhail Kasyanov
| office5 = ]
| term_start5 = 9 March 1999
| term_end5 = 9 August 1999
| 1blankname5 = Chairman
| 1namedata5 = Boris Yeltsin
| predecessor5 = ]
| successor5 = ]
| office6 = ]
| term_start6 = 25 July 1998
| term_end6 = 29 March 1999
| president6 = Boris Yeltsin
| predecessor6 = ]
| successor6 = ]
| office7 = First Deputy Chief of the ]
| term_start7 = 25 May 1998
| term_end7 = 24 July 1998
| president7 = Boris Yeltsin
| predecessor7 =
| successor7 =
| office8 = Deputy Chief of the ] – Head of the Main Supervisory Department
| term_start8 = 26 March 1997
| term_end8 = 24 May 1998
| president8 = Boris Yeltsin
| predecessor8 = ]
| successor8 = ]
| birth_name = Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1952|10|7}}
| birth_place = ], ], Soviet Union
| party = ]<br />(1991–1995, 2001–2008, 2012–present)
| otherparty = {{ubl|] (2011–present)|]<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Vladimir Putin quits as head of Russia's ruling party |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/vladimir-putin/9223621/Vladimir-Putin-quits-as-head-of-Russias-ruling-party.html |url-status = live |url-access = subscription |date = 24 April 2012 |access-date = 20 March 2022 |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/vladimir-putin/9223621/Vladimir-Putin-quits-as-head-of-Russias-ruling-party.html |archive-date = 10 January 2022 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> (2008–2012)|] (1999–2001)|] (1995–1999)|] (1975–1991)}}
| height = {{height|cm=170}}
| spouse = {{marriage|]| 1983|2014|reason=divorce}}{{efn|The Putins officially announced their separation in 2013 and the Kremlin confirmed the divorce had been finalized in 2014; however, it has been alleged that Putin and Lyudmila divorced in 2008.<ref name=RFERL080418 /><ref name=NYT120505 />}}
| children = At least 2, ] and ]{{efn|Putin has two daughters with his ex-wife Lyudmila. He is also alleged to have a third daughter, with ],<ref name=Proekt201125 /> and a fourth daughter and twin sons, or just two sons, with ],<ref name=Times190526 /><ref name=SonntagsZeitung /> although these reports have not been officially confirmed.}}
| residence = ], Moscow
| relatives = ]
| education =
| signature = Putin signature.svg
| website = {{URL|eng.putin.kremlin.ru}}
<!--Military and civilian service-->| allegiance = ]<br />Russia
| branch = {{ubl|]|]|]}}
| serviceyears = {{ubl|1975–1991|1997–1999|2000–present}}
| rank = {{ubl|]|]}}
| commands = ]
| battles = {{ubl|]|]|]|]|]}}
| awards = ]
| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Voice of Vladimir Putin (24.2.2022).ogg|title=Vladimir Putin's voice|type=speech|description=Putin declaring a "]" in Ukraine<br />Recorded 24 February 2022}}
| alma_mater = {{ubl|] (])|] (])}}
}} }}
{{Putin sidebar}}
'''Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin''' ({{audio-ru|Влади́мир Влади́мирович Пу́тин|ru-Putin.ogg}} {{IPA2|vlɐˈdʲimʲɪr vlɐˈdʲimʲɪrəvʲɪtɕ ˈputʲɪn}}) (born ], ], in ], ], ]) was ] of the ]. He became ] on ], ], succeeding ], and then won the ]. In ], he was ] for a second term, which expires on ], ].


'''Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin'''{{Family name footnote|Vladimirovich|Putin|lang=Eastern Slavic}}{{efn|{{IPAc-en|ˈ|p|uː|t|ɪ|n}} {{respell|POO|tin}}; {{langx|ru|Владимир Владимирович Путин|links=no}}, {{IPA|ru|vlɐˈdʲimʲɪr vlɐˈdʲimʲɪrəvʲɪtɕ ˈputʲɪn|pron|Ru-Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.ogg|small=no}}.}} (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as ] since 2012, having previously served from 2000 to 2008. Putin also served as ] from 1999 to 2000{{efn|Putin, who took office as prime minister on 9 August 1999, concurrently served as acting president of Russia from 31 December 1999 to 7 May 2000, when he took office as president.}} and again from 2008 to 2012.{{efn|Some argued that Putin was the leader of Russia between 2008 and 2012; see ].}}<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=9 August 2019 |title=Timeline: Vladimir Putin – 20 tumultuous years as Russian President or PM |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-timeline-idUSKCN1UZ185 |access-date=29 November 2021 |work=Reuters |archive-date=29 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129195453/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-timeline-idUSKCN1UZ185 |url-status=live }}</ref> At {{Age in years, months and days|1999|12|31}}, he is the longest-serving Russian or Soviet leader since the 30-year tenure of ].
==Early years and KGB career==
Putin was born in Leningrad (now ]) on ], ].<ref> Some biographers speculate that he was born somewhere in Southern Russia in ] and later lived at ], ], USSR, from ] to ], see (in Russian) by ] and ], Subbota, No 10, ], ]; (in Russian) by I. Bobrova, ], ]]. The official word on his birth is at http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/articles/V_Putin_eng.shtml . </ref> A quasi-autobiographical book, ''От Первого Лица''<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.kremlin.ru/articles/bookintro1.shtml
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}}</ref> (Romanization: ''Ot Pervovo Litsa''; the English-language title: ''First Person''<ref> at ]</ref>, the meaning of the Russian phrase being more polysemantic), based on his interviews, translated into ] in ] and paid for by his election campaign, speaks of humble beginnings, including early years in a communal apartment. According to him, in his youth, he was eager to emulate the intelligence officer characters played on the ] by actors such as ] and ].


Putin worked as a ] foreign intelligence officer for 16 years, rising to the rank of ]. He resigned in 1991 to begin a political career in Saint Petersburg. In 1996, he moved to Moscow to join the administration of President ]. He briefly served as the director of the ] (FSB) and then as ] of the ] before ] in August 1999. Following Yeltsin's resignation, Putin became ] and, in less than four months, ] to his first term as president. He was ]. Due to constitutional limitations of two consecutive presidential terms, Putin served as prime minister again from 2008 to 2012 under ]. He returned to the presidency in 2012, following ] marked by allegations of fraud and ], and was reelected ].
His mother, Maria Ivanovna Putina, was a factory worker and his father, Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin, was ] into the ], where he served in the ] fleet in the early 1930s. His father subsequently served with the ] in a sabotage group during the ]. Two elder brothers were born in the mid-1930s; one died within a few months of birth; the second succumbed to ] during the ]. His paternal grandfather, Spiridon Putin, had been ]'s and ]'s personal cook.<ref>Peter Baker and Susan Glasser. ''Kremlin Rising: Vladimir Putin and the End of Revolution,''p. 40. New York, Scribner, 2005. ISBN 0-7432-6431-2</ref> Putin's surname translates "man of path" into English.


During Putin's initial presidential tenure, the ] grew on average by seven percent per year,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last=Kramer |first=Andrew E. |date=18 February 2020 |title=Pessimistic Outlook in Russia Slows Investment, and the Economy |website=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/18/business/russia-economic-growth.html |access-date=22 March 2023 |archive-date=15 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215102525/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/18/business/russia-economic-growth.html |url-status=live }}</ref> driven by ] and a ] in the ] and gas.<ref name="Putin 2007" /><ref name="Fragile Empire 2013 page 17" /> Additionally, Putin led Russia in a conflict ], reestablishing federal control over the region.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=24 January 2013 |title=Fighting in volatile Chechnya kills 13 rebels, police: agency |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-chechnya-violence/fighting-in-volatile-chechnya-kills-13-rebels-police-agency-idUSBRE90N0LW20130124 |work=Reuters |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=9 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909001955/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-chechnya-violence/fighting-in-volatile-chechnya-kills-13-rebels-police-agency-idUSBRE90N0LW20130124 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=17 October 2011 |title=Putin Warns 'Mistakes' Could Bring Back '90s Woes |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/putin_mistakes_could_bring_back_1990s_woes/24362626.html |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509201850/https://www.rferl.org/a/putin_mistakes_could_bring_back_1990s_woes/24362626.html |url-status=live }}</ref> While serving as prime minister under Medvedev, he oversaw a ] and enacted ] and ]. In his third presidential term, Russia ] and supported a ] through several military incursions, resulting in international sanctions and a ]. He also ordered a ] to support his ally {{nowrap|]}} during the ], with the aim of obtaining naval bases in the ].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Borshchevskaya |first=Anna |title=Putin's War in Syria |publisher=I. B. Tauris |year=2022 |isbn=978-0-7556-3463-7 |pages=70, 71, 80, 81, 157, 169, 171, 174}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=30 September 2015 |title=Russia carries out first air strikes in Syria |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/russian-carries-air-strikes-syria-150930133155190.html |access-date=1 October 2015 |publisher=Al Jazeera |archive-date=30 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930155218/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/russian-carries-air-strikes-syria-150930133155190.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Geukjian |first=Ohannes |title=The Russian Military Intervention in Syria |publisher=McGill-Queen's University Press |year=2022 |isbn=978-0-2280-0829-3 |location= |pages=196 |chapter=5: Russian Diplomacy, War, and Peace Making, 2017–19}}</ref>
Putin graduated from the International Law branch of the Law Department of the ] in 1975. His final thesis was on an ] theme - {{lang-ru|«Принцип наиболее благоприятствуемой нации»}}<ref> ]'s website.</ref>. .


In February 2022, during his fourth presidential term, Putin launched a ], which prompted ] and led to ]. In September 2022, he announced a ] and forcibly ]. In March 2023, the ] issued an ] for ]<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title=Situation in Ukraine: ICC judges issue arrest warrants against Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova |url=https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-ukraine-icc-judges-issue-arrest-warrants-against-vladimir-vladimirovich-putin-and |access-date=24 April 2023 |publisher=] |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317151628/https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-ukraine-icc-judges-issue-arrest-warrants-against-vladimir-vladimirovich-putin-and |url-status=live }}</ref> related to his alleged criminal responsibility for ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=17 March 2023 |title=International court issues war crimes warrant for Putin |url=https://apnews.com/article/icc-putin-war-crimes-ukraine-9857eb68d827340394960eccf0589253 |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317153603/https://apnews.com/article/icc-putin-war-crimes-ukraine-9857eb68d827340394960eccf0589253 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2021, after ], he signed into law ] that included one allowing him to run for reelection twice more, potentially extending his presidency to 2036.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last=Odynova|first=Alexandra|date=5 April 2021|title=Putin signs law allowing him to serve 2 more terms as Russia's president|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vladimir-putin-president-russia-signs-law-allowing-2-more-presidential-terms/|publisher=CBS News|access-date=6 April 2021|archive-date=12 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212022337/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vladimir-putin-president-russia-signs-law-allowing-2-more-presidential-terms/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title=Putin – already Russia's longest leader since Stalin – signs law that may let him stay in power until 2036|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2021/04/05/vladimir-putin-may-remain-russian-president-until-2036-under-new-law/7092738002/|website=USA Today|access-date=6 April 2021|archive-date=28 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228064018/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2021/04/05/vladimir-putin-may-remain-russian-president-until-2036-under-new-law/7092738002/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2024, he was ] to another term.<!--DO NOT add cn tags to content in the lead that is sourced below-->
Thereafter he was recruited to the ]. At the University he also became a member of the ], and remained a member until the party was dissolved in December 1991.<ref name="ac_putinbio"/><ref>Владимир Путин. ''От Первого Лица''. </ref>


Under ], the Russian political system has been transformed into an ] ] with a ].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Plokhy |first=Serhii |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H2F_EAAAQBAJ |title=The Russo-Ukrainian War: From the bestselling author of Chernobyl |date=16 May 2023 |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-80206-179-6 |access-date=2 March 2024 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030112950/https://books.google.com/books?id=H2F_EAAAQBAJ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zavadskaya |first=Margarita |date=2023 |title=Russia: Nations in Transit 2023 Country Report |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/russia/nations-transit/2023 |access-date=25 March 2024 |website=] |language=en |quote=In Russia, national governance represents outright authoritarianism, dominated by widespread oppression and large-scale corruption among the top elites. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine has set the Russian regime on a further downward spiral, making it one of the most notorious personalist dictatorships in the world. |archive-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313123107/https://freedomhouse.org/country/russia/nations-transit/2023 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kovalev |first=Alexey |date=26 March 2024 |title=Russia Is Returning to Its Totalitarian Past |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/08/01/russia-putin-wagner-repression-authoritarian-totalitarian-arrests-ukraine-war/ |access-date=25 March 2024 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310074336/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/08/01/russia-putin-wagner-repression-authoritarian-totalitarian-arrests-ukraine-war/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His rule has been marked by ] and widespread ], including the imprisonment and suppression of ], intimidation and censorship of ], and a lack of ]s.<ref name="Gill-20162">{{cite book |last=Gill |first=Graeme |url=http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/politics-international-relations/russian-and-east-european-government-politics-and-policy/building-authoritarian-polity-russia-post-soviet-times?format=HB&isbn=9781107130081 |title=Building an Authoritarian Polity: Russia in Post-Soviet Times |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-107-13008-1 |edition=hardback |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=24 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724222211/http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/politics-international-relations/russian-and-east-european-government-politics-and-policy/building-authoritarian-polity-russia-post-soviet-times?format=HB&isbn=9781107130081 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Reuter-20172">{{Cite book |last=Reuter |first=Ora John |url=http://ebooks.cambridge.org/ref/id/CBO9781316761649 |title=The Origins of Dominant Parties: Building Authoritarian Institutions in Post-Soviet Russia |date=2017 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-316-76164-9 |edition=E-book |doi=10.1017/9781316761649 |access-date=24 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211113905/http://ebooks.cambridge.org/ref/id/CBO9781316761649 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Frye |first=Timothy |url=https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691212463/weak-strongman |title=Weak Strongman: The Limits of Power in Putin's Russia |publisher=] |year=2021 |isbn=978-0-691-21246-3 |page={{page needed|date=February 2022}} |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225005434/https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691212463/weak-strongman |url-status=live }}</ref> Russia has consistently received very low scores on ]'s '']'', '']'', ]'s '']'' index, and the ] '']''.
He worked in the Leningrad and Leningrad region Directorate of the KGB, where he became acquainted with ].<ref name="ivan01bio">{{cite web
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== Early life ==
In 1976 he completed the KGB retraining course in Okhta, Leningrad. The available information about his first years at the KGB is somewhat contradictory; according to some sources,<ref>David Hoffman. . ] January 30, 2000.</ref> he completed the other retraining course at the Dzerzhinsky KGB Higher School in Moscow and then in ] - the Red Banner Yuri Andropov KGB Institute in Moscow (now the Academy of Foreign Intelligence), whereupon (or earlier) he joined the KGB ] (Foreign intelligence branch).
Putin was born on 7 October 1952 in Leningrad, ] (now Saint Petersburg, Russia),<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Biography |url = http://premier.gov.ru/eng/premier/biography.html |date = 14 May 2010 |access-date = 31 July 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100514164020/http://premier.gov.ru/eng/premier/biography.html |archive-date = 14 May 2010 |url-status = dead }}</ref> the youngest of three children of Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin (1911–1999) and Maria Ivanovna Putina ({{née|Shelomova}}; 1911–1998). His grandfather, ] (1879–1965), was a personal cook to ] and ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin says grandfather cooked for Stalin and Lenin |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/russia-putin-family/putin-says-grandfather-cooked-for-stalin-and-lenin-idINKCN1GN0P7 |work = Reuters |date = 11 March 2018 |access-date = 30 January 2021 |archive-date = 26 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220226111344/https://www.reuters.com/article/russia-putin-family/putin-says-grandfather-cooked-for-stalin-and-lenin-idINKCN1GN0P7 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{citation |last = Sebestyen |first = Victor |title = Lenin the Dictator |publisher = ] |location = London |year = 2018 |page = 422 |isbn = 978-1-4746-0105-4 }}</ref> Putin's birth was preceded by the deaths of two brothers: Albert, born in the 1930s, died in infancy, and Viktor, born in 1940, died of ] and ] in 1942 during the ] by ]'s forces in ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Barry |first = Ellen |date = 27 January 2012 |title = At Event, a Rare Look at Putin's Life |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/28/world/europe/vladimir-putin-describes-loss-of-a-brother-at-ceremony.html |url-status = live |work = The New York Times |archive-url = https://archive.today/20210806060318/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/28/world/europe/vladimir-putin-describes-loss-of-a-brother-at-ceremony.html |archive-date = 6 August 2021 |access-date = 27 March 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/putins-brother-died-siege-leningrad-which-bears-striking-resemblance-syrian-crisis-1585531 |title = Putin's brother died in Siege of Leningrad, which bears striking resemblance to Syrian crisis |last = Pasha-Robinson |first = Lucy |date = 9 October 2016 |website = ] |archive-url = https://archive.today/20220327000026/https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/putins-brother-died-siege-leningrad-which-bears-striking-resemblance-syrian-crisis-1585531 |archive-date = 27 March 2022 |url-status = live |access-date = 27 March 2022 }}</ref>
{{multiple image
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| image1 = Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin.jpg
| caption1 = Putin's father, Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin
| image2 = Maria Ivanovna Shelomova.jpg
| caption2 = Putin's mother, Maria Ivanovna Shelomova
}}
Putin's mother was a factory worker, and his father was a ] in the ], serving in the ] fleet in the early 1930s. During the early stage of the ], his father served in the ] of the ].<ref name="first-person">{{cite book |title = First Person |author1 = Vladimir Putin |author2 = Nataliya Gevorkyan |author3 = Natalya Timakova |author4 = Andrei Kolesnikov |others = trans. Catherine A. Fitzpatrick |year = 2000 |publisher = ] |page = |isbn = 978-1-58648-018-9 |url-access = registration |url = https://archive.org/details/firstpersonaston00puti/page/208 }}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312213049/http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/p/putin-first.html |date=12 March 2018 }} ''The New York Times'', 2000.</ref><ref> ''Los Angeles Times'', 19 March 2000.</ref> Later, he was transferred to the regular army and was severely wounded in 1942.<ref name="sakwa_p3">{{harv |Sakwa |2008 |p=3}}</ref> Putin's maternal grandmother was ] of ] region in 1941, and his maternal uncles disappeared on the ] during World War II.<ref>Sakwa, Richard. ''Putin Redux: Power and Contradiction in Contemporary Russia'' (2014), p. 2.</ref>


=== Education ===
From 1985 to 1990 the KGB stationed Putin in ], ],<ref>{{dead link|date=December 2007}} (in Russian), ], 18.08.1999.</ref> in what he regards as a minor position. Following the collapse of the East German regime, Putin was recalled to the Soviet Union and returned to Leningrad, where in June 1991 he assumed a position with the International Affairs section of Leningrad State University, reporting to Vice-Rector ]. In his new position, Putin grew reacquainted with ], then mayor of Leningrad. Sobchak served as an Assistant Professor during Putin's university years and was one of Putin's lecturers. Putin formally resigned from the state security services on ], ], during the KGB-supported abortive ] against Soviet President ].
On 1 September 1960, Putin started at School No. 193 at Baskov Lane, near his home. He was one of a few in his class of about 45 pupils who were not yet members of the ] ('']'') organization. At the age of 12, he began to practice ] and judo.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://russia.rin.ru/guides_e/2637.html |title = Prime Minister |publisher = Russia.rin.ru |access-date = 24 September 2011 |archive-date = 11 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220211191445/https://russia.rin.ru/guides_e/2637.html |url-status = live }}</ref> In his free time, he enjoyed reading the works of ], ], and Lenin.<ref>{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=2jzf8FsShUgC&q=marx |title = Putin's Progress: A Biography of Russia's Enigmatic President, Vladimir Putin |first = Peter |last = Truscott |via = Google Books |page = 40 |isbn = 978-0-7434-9607-0 |date = 2005 |publisher = Pocket Books |access-date = 25 February 2022 |archive-date = 5 April 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230405024632/https://books.google.com/books?id=2jzf8FsShUgC&q=marx |url-status = live }}</ref> Putin attended Saint Petersburg High School 281 with a German language immersion program.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://www.haaretz.com/news/world/1.582099 |title = In Tel Aviv, Putin's German Teacher Recalls 'Disciplined' Student |work = Haaretz |date = 26 March 2014 |access-date = 16 April 2016 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151119182033/http://www.haaretz.com/world-news/1.582099 |archive-date = 19 November 2015 }}</ref> He is fluent in German and often gives speeches and interviews in that language.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://x.com/mathieuvonrohr/status/1031306883297173504?lang=en | title=Rare video of Putin speaking German | author=Mathieu von Rohr | website=x.com | date=2018-08-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1pLgS3vad0 | title=Russian President speaks at Reichstag | website=www.youtube.com | date=2001-09-25}}</ref>
]
Putin studied law at the Leningrad State University named after ] (now ]) in 1970 and graduated in 1975.<ref name="law">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/russiagov/putin.htm |title = Putin's Career Rooted in Russia's KGB |last = Hoffman |first = David |date = 30 January 2000 |newspaper = The Washington Post |access-date = 17 September 2017 |archive-date = 23 June 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190623173752/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/russiagov/putin.htm |url-status = live }}</ref> His thesis was on "The ] in International Law".<ref>Lynch, Allen. '''', p. 15 (Potomac Books 2011).</ref> While there, he was required to join the ] (CPSU); he remained a member until it ceased to exist in 1991.<ref>Владимир Путин. ''От Первого Лица''. {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630150907/http://www.kremlin.ru/articles/bookchapter6.shtml |date=30 June 2009}}</ref> Putin met ], an assistant professor who taught ],{{Efn|{{langx|ru|хозяйственное право|khozyaystvennoye pravo}}.}} and who later became the co-author of the ]. Putin was influential in Sobchak's career in Saint Petersburg, and Sobchak was influential in Putin's career in Moscow.<ref name="Vlast">{{cite book |last = Pribylovsky |first = Vladimir |script-title = ru:Власть – 2010 (60 биографий) |year = 2010 |publisher = Panorama |isbn = 978-5-94420-038-9 |pages = 132–139 |chapter-url = http://scilla.ru/works/knigi/vlast2010.pdf |author-link = Vladimir Pribylovsky |location = Moscow |language = ru |chapter = Valdimir Putin |access-date = 1 August 2010 |archive-date = 31 July 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130731145504/http://scilla.ru/works/knigi/vlast2010.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>


In 1997, Putin received a degree in economics ('']'') at the ] for a thesis on energy dependencies and their instrumentalisation in foreign policy.<ref name=mvart1>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.gazeta.ru/2006/03/28/oa_193799.shtml |author = Vartanov, Mikhail |title = Путина не смогли завалить 'чёрные рецензенты' |trans-title = Putin could not fill up 'black reviewers' |language = ru |publisher = ] |date = 28 March 2006 |access-date = 30 August 2022 |archive-date = 18 August 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160818065327/https://www.gazeta.ru/2006/03/28/oa_193799.shtml |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="dwd24">{{cite news |title=Russia's energy empire: Putin and the rise of Gazprom |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akihe-AtpW8 |agency=YouTube |publisher=DW Documentary |date=3 February 2024 |access-date=4 February 2024 |archive-date=4 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204024723/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akihe-AtpW8 |url-status=live }}</ref> His supervisor was ], who in 2000 and again in 2004 managed his presidential election campaigns in St Petersburg.<ref name="idcg06">{{cite news |last1=Danchenko |first1=Igor |last2=Gaddy |first2=Clifford |title=The Mystery of Vladimir Putin's Dissertation |url=https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Putin-Dissertation-Event-remarks-with-slides.pdf |publisher=The Brookings Institution |date=30 March 2006 |access-date=6 February 2024 |archive-date=25 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225145253/https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Putin-Dissertation-Event-remarks-with-slides.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> ] and Clifford Gaddy consider Putin to be a ] according to Western standards. One book from which he copied entire paragraphs is the Russian-language edition of ] and ]'s ''Strategic Planning and Policy'' (1978).<ref name="idcg06"/> Balzer wrote on the Putin thesis and Russian energy policy and concludes along with Olcott that "The primacy of the Russian state in the country’s energy sector is non-negotiable", and cites the insistence on majority Russian ownership of any joint-venture, particularly since ] signed the Gazprom ]-] deal in 2004 with a 49–51 structure, as opposed to the older 50–50 split of ]'s ] project.<ref name=balzer05>Harley Balzer, "The Putin Thesis and Russian Energy Policy" ''Post-Soviet Affairs'', 2005, 21, 3, pp. 210–225.</ref>
==Early political and business career==
In May 1990 Putin was appointed Mayor Sobchak's advisor on international affairs. On ], ], he was appointed head of the of the ], with responsibility for promoting international relations and foreign investments. The Committee was also used to register business ventures in St. Petersburg.<ref name="arppo">{{cite web
|url=http://anticompromat.ru/oligarhi/ppo.html
|title=Происхождение путинской олигархии (The Origin of Putin's Oligarchy)
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}}</ref> During the time Putin led this Committee, ], the current ] of ], also served on it from (], ]–1996), as well as ], and was a deputy head of the Committee from 1992-1996.<ref>{{cite web
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}}</ref> Less than one year after taking control of the committee, Putin was investigated by a commission of the city legislative council. Commission deputies ] and ] concluded that Putin understated prices and issued licenses permitting the export of non-ferrous metals valued at a total of $93 million in exchange for food aid from abroad that never came to the city.<ref>{{cite web
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|title=Russia Reform Monitor No. 755: U.S. Seen Helping Putin's Presidential Campaign; Documents, Ex-Investigators, Link Putin to St. Petersburg Corruption
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|url=http://www.anticompromat.ru/putin/putinbio.html
|title=ПУТИН Владимир Владимирович
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}}</ref> The commission recommended Putin be fired, but there were no immediate consequences. Putin remained head of the Committee for External Relations until 1996. While heading the Committee for External Relations, from 1992 to March 2000 Putin was also on the advisory board of the ] ] holding St. Petersburg Immobilien und Beteiligungs AG (SPAG) which has been investigated by German prosecutors for money laundering.<ref>Roth, Jürgen. Die Gangster aus dem Osten. Hamburg: Europa Verlag, 2003. ISBN 3203815265</ref><ref>Duparc, Agathe et Vladimir Ivanidze. Le nom de M. Poutine apparaît en marge des affaires de blanchiment au Liechtenstein. Le Monde, 26.05.2000.</ref><ref> by Mark Hosenball and Christian Karyl, ], 3.09.2001</ref><ref>{{dead link|date=December 2007}} Moscow Times, 30.05.2000.</ref><ref> by Catherine Belton</ref><ref> by Nick Paton Walsh. The Observer, 29.02.2004.</ref><ref name="arppo" />


== Intelligence career ==
From 1994 to 1997, Putin was appointed to additional positions in the St. Petersburg political arena. In March 1994 he became first deputy head of the administration of the city of Saint Petersburg. In 1995 (through June 1997) Putin led the St. Petersburg branch of the pro-government ] political party.<ref name="30bio">{{cite web
], {{circa|1980}}]]
|url= http://gazeta.lenta.ru/daynews/09-08-1999/30bio.htm
In 1975, Putin joined the ] and trained at the 401st KGB School in Okhta, ].<ref name="stp">{{#invoke:cite web||title = When Was St. Petersburg Known as Petrograd and Leningrad? |url = http://geography.about.com/od/politicalgeography/fl/When-Was-St-Petersburg-Known-as-Petrograd-and-Leningrad.htm |publisher = About.com |first = Matt |last = Rosenberg |date = 12 August 2016 |access-date = 16 September 2016 |archive-date = 5 February 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170205031730/http://geography.about.com/od/politicalgeography/fl/When-Was-St-Petersburg-Known-as-Petrograd-and-Leningrad.htm |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cxzV1QIZU8&t=15s |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/6cxzV1QIZU8 |archive-date = 11 December 2021 |url-status = live |title = Vladimir Putin as a Spy Working Undercover from 1983 |date = 30 June 1983 |via = YouTube |access-date = 8 April 2017 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> After training, he worked in the Second Chief Directorate (]), before he was transferred to the ], where he monitored foreigners and consular officials in Leningrad.<ref name="stp" /><ref>{{harv|Sakwa|2008|pp=8–9}}</ref><ref name="hoffman">{{#invoke:cite news||first = David |last = Hoffman |date = 30 January 2000 |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/russiagov/putin.htm |title = Putin's Career Rooted in Russia's KGB |newspaper = The Washington Post |access-date = 23 May 2021 |archive-date = 23 June 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190623173752/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/russiagov/putin.htm |url-status = live }}</ref> In September 1984, Putin was sent to Moscow for further training at the ].<ref name="Hutchins2012">{{cite book |author = Chris Hutchins |title = Putin |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=4kqWFqR0MPwC&pg=PA40 |year = 2012 |publisher = Troubador Publishing Ltd |isbn = 978-1-78088-114-0 |page = 40 |quote = But these were the honeymoon days and she was already expecting their first child when he was sent to Moscow for further training at the Yuri Andropov Red Banner Institute in September 1984 ... At Red Banner, students were given a nom de guerre beginning with the same letter as their surname. Thus Comrade Putin became Comrade Platov. |access-date = 19 January 2019 |archive-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231111195808/https://books.google.com/books?id=4kqWFqR0MPwC&pg=PA40#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Jack2005">{{cite book |author = Andrew Jack |title = Inside Putin's Russia: Can There Be Reform without Democracy? |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=OPdcCAAAQBAJ&pg=PT66 |date = 2005 |publisher = Oxford University Press |isbn = 978-0-19-029336-9 |page = 66 |quote = He returned to work in Leningrad's First Department for intelligence for four and a half years, and then attended the elite Andropov Red Banner Institute for intelligence training before his posting to the German Democratic Republic in 1985. |access-date = 19 January 2019 |archive-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231111195809/https://books.google.com/books?id=OPdcCAAAQBAJ&pg=PT66#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="PutinGevorkyan2000">{{cite book |author1 = Vladimir Putin |author2 = Nataliya Gevorkyan |author3 = Natalya Timakova |author4 = Andrei Kolesnikov |title = First Person: An Astonishingly Frank Self-Portrait by Russia's President Vladimir Putin |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=gcDv5Qww_2AC&pg=PA53 |date = 2000 |publisher = Public Affairs |isbn = 978-0-7867-2327-0 |page = 53 |quote = I worked there for about four and a half years, and then I went to Moscow for training at the Andropov Red Banner Institute, which is now the Academy of Foreign Intelligence. |access-date = 19 January 2019 |archive-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231111195814/https://books.google.com/books?id=gcDv5Qww_2AC&pg=PA53#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status = live }}</ref>
|title=Владимир Путин: от ассистента Собчака до и.о. премьера
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}}</ref><ref name="ac_putinbio"/> During this same period from 1995 through June 1997 he was also the head of the Advisory Board of the JSC Newspaper ].<ref name="arppo" /><ref name="30bio" />


From 1985 to 1990, he served in ], ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 9 October 2006 |title = Putin set to visit Dresden, the place of his work as a KGB spy, to tend relations with Germany |url = http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/09/europe/EU_GEN_Germany_Russia.php |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090326123503/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/09/europe/EU_GEN_Germany_Russia.php |archive-date = 26 March 2009 |website = International Herald Tribune }}</ref> using a ] as a translator.<ref name="M. Gessen p. 60">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol-57-no-4/the-man-without-a-face-the-unlikely-rise-of-vladimir-putin-and-mr-putin-operative-in-the-kremlin.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727161603/https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol-57-no-4/the-man-without-a-face-the-unlikely-rise-of-vladimir-putin-and-mr-putin-operative-in-the-kremlin.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 27, 2014|title=The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin and Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin — Central Intelligence Agency|website=www.cia.gov|language=en|access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> While posted in Dresden, Putin worked as one of the KGB's liaison officers to the ] secret police and was reportedly promoted to ]. According to the official Kremlin presidential site, the East German ] commended Putin with a bronze medal for "faithful service to the ]". Putin has publicly conveyed delight over his activities in Dresden, once recounting his confrontations with ] who attempted the ] in the city.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=11 December 2018 |title=Putin's Stasi spy ID pass found in Germany |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46525543 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324084844/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46525543 |archive-date=24 March 2022 |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=BBC News}}</ref>
In 1996 Anatoly Sobchak lost the St. Petersburg mayoral election to ]. Putin was called to Moscow and in June 1996 assumed position of a Deputy Chief of the ] headed by ]. He occupied this position until March 1997. On ], ] President ] appointed Putin deputy chief of ], which he remained until May 1998, and chief of the Main Control Directorate of the Presidential Property Management Department (until June 1998).


"Putin and his colleagues were reduced mainly to collecting ], thus contributing to the mountains of useless information produced by the KGB", Russian-American ] wrote in their 2012 biography of Putin.<ref name="M. Gessen p. 60" /> His work was also downplayed by former ] spy chief ] and Putin's former KGB colleague Vladimir Usoltsev. Journalist ] wrote in 2020 that this downplaying was actually cover for Putin's involvement in KGB coordination and support for the terrorist ], whose members frequently hid in East Germany with the support of the Stasi. Dresden was preferred as a "marginal" town with only a small presence of Western intelligence services.<ref name="politico1">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Belton |first = Catherine |author-link = Catherine Belton |title = Did Vladimir Putin Support Anti-Western Terrorists as a Young KGB Officer? |url = https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/06/20/vladimir-putin-dresden-kgb-330203 |work = Politico |year = 2020 |access-date = 30 June 2020 |archive-date = 12 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220212021450/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/06/20/vladimir-putin-dresden-kgb-330203 |url-status = live }}</ref> According to an anonymous source who claimed to be a former RAF member, at one of these meetings in Dresden the militants presented Putin with a list of weapons that were later delivered to the RAF in West Germany. Klaus Zuchold, who claimed to be recruited by Putin, said that Putin handled a ], Rainer Sonntag, and attempted to recruit an author of a study on poisons.<ref name="politico1" /> Putin reportedly met Germans to be recruited for wireless communications affairs together with an interpreter. He was involved in wireless communications technologies in South-East Asia due to trips of German engineers, recruited by him, there and to the West.<ref name="hoffman" /> However, a 2023 investigation by '']'' reported that the anonymous source had never been an RAF member and is "considered a notorious fabulist" with "several previous convictions, including for making false statements".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=7 June 2023|title=Were Vladimir Putin's Years in Germany Less Thrilling than the Stories?|url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/were-vladimir-putin-s-years-in-germany-less-thrilling-than-the-stories-a-178de140-b799-472d-83bc-5e3b1adf65b2|author-last=Röbel|author-first=Sven|access-date=3 June 2023|work=Der Spiegel|archive-date=7 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607092338/https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/were-vladimir-putin-s-years-in-germany-less-thrilling-than-the-stories-a-178de140-b799-472d-83bc-5e3b1adf65b2|url-status=live}}</ref>
On ], ], at the ] Putin defended his ] dissertation in economics titled "The Strategic Planning of Regional Resources Under the Formation of Market Relations".<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.zavtra.ru/cgi/veil/data/zavtra/00/338/32.html
|title=ПУТИН — КАНДИДАТ НАУК
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}}</ref> According to ], a senior fellow at The ], 16 of the 20 pages that open a key section of Putin’s work were copied either word for word or with minute alterations from a management study, Strategic Planning and Policy, written by US professors William King and David Cleland and translated into Russian by a KGB-related institute in the early 1990s.<ref> ] ] ]</ref> 6 diagrams and tables were also copied.<ref>http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/s_437473.html</ref>


]
On ]] Vladimir Putin was appointed First Deputy Chief of ] for regions, (replacing ]), and on ] of the same year - the Head of the Commission for the preparation of agreements on the delimitation of power of regions and the federal center attached to the President (replacing ]). After Putin's appointment, the commission completed no such agreements, although during Shakhray's term as the Head of the Commission there were 46 agreements signed.<ref> (in Russian) by Oleg Odnokolenko. Itogi, #47(545), 2.01.2007.</ref>
According to Putin's official biography, during the ] that began on 9 November 1989, he saved the files of the Soviet Cultural Center (House of Friendship) and of the KGB villa in Dresden for the official authorities of the would-be united Germany to prevent demonstrators, including KGB and Stasi agents, from obtaining and destroying them. He then supposedly burnt only the KGB files, in a few hours, but saved the archives of the Soviet Cultural Center for the German authorities. Nothing is told about the selection criteria during this burning; for example, concerning Stasi files or about files of other agencies of the German Democratic Republic or of the USSR. He explained that many documents were left to Germany only because the furnace burst but many documents of the KGB villa were sent to Moscow.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://time.com/time-person-of-the-year-runner-up-vladimir-putin/ |title = Vladimir Putin, The Imperialist |magazine = ] |access-date = 11 December 2014 |date = 10 December 2014 |archive-date = 1 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220301153733/https://time.com/time-person-of-the-year-runner-up-vladimir-putin/ |url-status = live }}</ref>


After the ], Putin was to resign from active KGB service because of suspicions aroused regarding his loyalty during demonstrations in Dresden and earlier, although the KGB and the ] still operated in eastern Germany. He returned to Leningrad in early 1990 as a member of the "active reserves", where he worked for about three months with the International Affairs section of ], reporting to Vice-Rector ], while working on his doctoral dissertation.<ref name="hoffman" />
On ]] Yeltsin appointed Vladimir Putin head of the ] (one of the successor agencies to the KGB), the position Putin occupied until August 1999. He became a permanent member of the ] on ]] and its Secretary on ]]. In April 1999, FSB Chief Vladimir Putin and Interior Minister ] held a televised press conference in which they discussed a video that had aired nationwide ] on the state-controlled ] which showed a naked man very similar to the ], ], in bed with two young women. Putin claimed that expert FSB analysis proved the man on the tape to be Skuratov and that the orgy had been paid for by persons investigated for criminal offences.<ref> by Jonathan Littell.</ref><ref> by ] and ] (in Russian).</ref> Skuratov had been adversarial toward President Yeltsin and had been aggressively investigating government corruption<ref name=Satter-rfl> with ] on ] ] ] {{ru icon}}</ref>.


There, he looked for new KGB recruits, watched the student body, and renewed his friendship with his former professor, ], soon to be the ].<ref name="R. Sakwa p. 10">{{cite book |last = Sakwa |first = Richard |title = Putin : Russia's Choice |year = 2007 |publisher = Routledge |location = Abingdon, Oxon |isbn = 978-0-415-40765-6 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=DJcixDNh_m4C |edition = 2nd |access-date = 11 June 2012 |page = 10 |archive-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231111195816/https://books.google.com/books?id=DJcixDNh_m4C |url-status = live }}</ref> Putin claims that he resigned with the rank of lieutenant colonel on 20 August 1991,<ref name="R. Sakwa p. 10" /> on the second day of the ] against Soviet president ].<ref>{{harv|Sakwa|2008|pp=10–11}}</ref> Putin said: "As soon as the coup began, I immediately decided which side I was on", although he noted that the choice was hard because he had spent the best part of his life with "the organs".<ref>{{harv|Sakwa|2008|p=11}}</ref>
On ], ], '']'' reported that ] police discovered that Putin had secretly visited a villa in Spain belonging to the oligarch ] on up to five different occasions in 1999.<ref>{{cite news | first=Giles | last=Tremlett | title=Leader's secret holidays to Spain | date=] ] | publisher =] | url=http://www.cdi.org/russia/johnson/4379.html##5 | accessdate = 2007-04-29| language =English}}</ref>


== Political career ==
==Prime Minister==
{{Main|Political career of Vladimir Putin|Russia under Vladimir Putin}}
{{see also|Second Chechen War}}
{{Further|Putinism|List of speeches given by Vladimir Putin}}
{{See also|Politics of Russia}}


=== 1990–1996: Saint Petersburg administration ===
On ]], Vladimir Putin was appointed one of three First Deputy Prime Ministers, which enabled him later on that day, as the previous government led by ] had been sacked, to be appointed acting Prime Minister of the Government of the Russian Federation by President ].<ref>{{cite web
|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/not_in_website/syndication/monitoring/415278.stm
|title=Text of Yeltsin's speech in English
|accessdate=2007-05-31
|accessdaymonth=
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}}</ref> Yeltsin also announced that he wanted to see Putin as his successor. Later, that same day, Putin agreed to run for the presidency.<ref> BBC, August 10, 1999</ref> On ], the ] approved his appointment as Prime Minister with 233 votes in favour (vs. 84 against, 17 abstained),<ref> BBC, August 16, 1999.</ref> while a simple majority of 226 was required, making him Russia's fifth PM in less than eighteen months. On his appointment, few expected Putin, virtually unknown to the general public, to last any longer than his predecessors. Yeltsin's main opponents and would-be successors, Moscow Mayor ] and former Chairman of the Russian Government ], were already campaigning to replace the ailing president, and they fought hard to prevent Putin's emergence as a potential successor. Putin's ] image and his unrelenting approach to the ] soon combined to raise his popularity and allowed him to overtake all rivals.


In May 1990, Putin was appointed as an advisor on international affairs to the mayor of Leningrad ]. In a ] with ], Putin said that he resigned from the KGB in 1991, following the coup against Mikhail Gorbachev, as he did not agree with what had happened and did not want to be part of the intelligence in the new administration.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1 = Stone |first1 = Oliver |title = The Putin Interviews (Party 2 – 2:10) |url = https://www.sho.com/the-putin-interviews |website = sho.com |date = 12 June 2017 |publisher = Showtime |access-date = 12 November 2018 |archive-date = 12 November 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181112101310/https://www.sho.com/the-putin-interviews |url-status = live }}</ref> According to Putin's statements in 2018 and 2021, he may have worked as a private ] to earn extra money, or considered such a job.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.dw.com/en/vladimir-putin-says-he-drove-a-taxi-after-fall-of-soviet-union/a-60097866 |title = Vladimir Putin says he drove a taxi after fall of Soviet Union |publisher = ] |date = 12 December 2021 |access-date = 18 December 2021 |archive-date = 30 December 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211230105735/https://www.dw.com/en/vladimir-putin-says-he-drove-a-taxi-after-fall-of-soviet-union/a-60097866 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Roth |first = Andrew |date = 13 December 2021 |title = Vladimir Putin says he resorted to driving a taxi after fall of Soviet Union |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/13/vladimir-putin-says-he-resorted-to-taxi-driving-after-fall-of-soviet-union |access-date = 19 December 2021 |website = The Guardian |archive-date = 24 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220224181335/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/13/vladimir-putin-says-he-resorted-to-taxi-driving-after-fall-of-soviet-union |url-status = live }}</ref>
Putin's rise to public office in August 1999 coincided with an aggressive resurgence of the near-dormant conflict in the North Caucasus, when a number of Chechens invaded neighboring ], see ]. Both in Russia and abroad, Putin's public image was forged by his tough handling of the war. On assuming the role of acting President on ], ], Putin went on a previously scheduled visit to Russian troops in Chechnya. In recent years, Putin has distanced himself from the management of the continuing conflict. In 2003, a controversial referendum was held in Chechnya adopting a new constitution which declares the Republic as a part of Russia. Chechnya has been gradually stabilized with the parliamentary elections and the establishment of a regional government.<ref> by ], March 13, 2007.</ref><ref>, on human rights abuses in Chechnya. Retrieved ], ]</ref> According to CIA, throughout the war Russia has severely disabled the Chechen rebel movement, although sporadic violence still occurs throughout the North Caucasus.<ref> ]</ref>
] and ] at the funeral of Putin's former mentor<ref>Newsweek, "Russia's Mighty Mouse", 25 February 2008.</ref> ], Mayor of Saint Petersburg (1991–1996)]]
On 28 June 1991, Putin became head of the Committee for External Relations of the ], with responsibility for promoting international relations and foreign investments<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://kvs.spb.ru/en/ |title = Committee for External Relations of St. Petersburg |access-date = 21 February 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070221044544/http://kvs.spb.ru/en/ |archive-date = 21 February 2007 }}</ref> and registering business ventures. Within a year, Putin was investigated by the city legislative council led by ]. It was concluded that he had understated prices and permitted the export of metals valued at $93 million in exchange for foreign food aid that never arrived.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=1124 |title = Uproar at Honor For Putin |last = Kovalev |first = Vladimir |date = 23 July 2004 |website = The Saint Petersburg Times |access-date = 14 April 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150320150048/http://sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=1124 |archive-date = 20 March 2015 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="law" /> Despite the investigators' recommendation that Putin be fired, Putin remained head of the Committee for External Relations until 1996.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.rusnet.nl/news/2003/05/19/print/report03.shtml |title = Putin's Name Surfaces in German Probe |last = Belton |first = Catherine |date = 19 May 2003 |work = Moscow Times |access-date = 27 September 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927010325/http://www.rusnet.nl/news/2003/05/19/print/report03.shtml |archive-date = 27 September 2007 |via = rusnet.nl }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Paton Walsh |first = Nick |author-link = Nick Paton Walsh |date = 29 February 2004 |title = The Man Who Wasn't There |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/feb/29/russia.features |work = The Observer |access-date = 23 May 2021 |archive-date = 26 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220226162944/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/feb/29/russia.features |url-status = live }}</ref> From 1994 to 1996, he held several other political and governmental positions in Saint Petersburg.


In March 1994, Putin was appointed as first deputy chairman of the ]. In May 1995, he organized the Saint Petersburg branch of the pro-government ] political party, the ] ] founded by Prime Minister ]. In 1995, he managed the ] for that party, and from 1995 through June 1997, he was the leader of its Saint Petersburg branch.
While not formally associated with any party, Putin pledged his support to the newly formed ],<ref> Norsk Utenrikspolitisk Institutt</ref> which won the second largest percentage of the popular vote (23,32%) in the December 1999 ] elections, and in turn he was supported by it. Putin appeared to be ideally positioned to win the presidency in elections due the following summer.


=== 1996–1999: Early Moscow career ===
== President ==
In June 1996, Sobchak lost his bid for re-election in Saint Petersburg, and Putin, who had led his election campaign, resigned from his positions in the city administration. He moved to Moscow and was appointed as deputy chief of the Presidential Property Management Department headed by ]. He occupied this position until March 1997. He was responsible for the foreign property of the state and organized the transfer of the former assets of the Soviet Union and the CPSU to the Russian Federation.<ref name=Vlast />
{{see also|Vladimir Putin legislation and program}}
] director, 1998]]
On 26 March 1997, President ] appointed Putin deputy chief of the ], a post which he retained until May 1998, and chief of the Main Control Directorate of the Presidential Property Management Department (until June 1998). His predecessor in this position was ] and his successor was ], both future prominent politicians and Putin's associates.<ref name=Vlast /> On 3 April 1997, Putin was promoted to ]—the highest ].<ref>{{cite act |type = Decree |index = 285 |date = 3 April 1997 |legislature = ] |title = О присвоении квалификационных разрядов федеральным государственным служащим Администрации Президента Российской Федерации |language = ru |url = http://pravo.gov.ru/proxy/ips/?searchres=&bpas=cd00000&a3=102000503&a3type=1&a3value=&a6=102000070&a6type=1&a6value=&a15=&a15type=1&a15value=&a7type=1&a7from=&a7to=&a7date=03.04.1997&a8=285&a8type=1&a1=&a0=&a16=&a16type=1&a16value=&a17=&a17type=1&a17value=&a4=&a4type=1&a4value=&a23=&a23type=1&a23value=&textpres=&sort=7&x=54&y=16 }}</ref>


On 27 June 1997, at the ], guided by rector ], Putin defended his ] dissertation in economics, titled ''Strategic Planning of the Reproduction of the Mineral Resource Base of a Region under Conditions of the Formation of Market Relations''.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.zavtra.ru/cgi/veil/data/zavtra/00/338/32.html |script-title = ru:ПУТИН&nbsp;– КАНДИДАТ НАУК |date = 24 May 2000 |publisher = zavtra.ru |language = ru |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130806204506/http://www.zavtra.ru/cgi/veil/data/zavtra/00/338/32.html |archive-date = 6 August 2013 }}</ref> This exemplified the custom in Russia whereby a young rising official would write a scholarly work in mid-career.<ref>Gustafson, Thane. '' {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111195818/https://books.google.com/books?id=GSH3PhvD82MC&pg=PA246#v=onepage&q&f=false |date=11 November 2023 }}'', p. 246 (], 2012).</ref> Putin's thesis was ].<ref>{{cite magazine |title = London's Most Mysterious Mansion |url = http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/06/01/house-of-secrets |magazine = The New Yorker |date = 23 May 2015 |access-date = 13 March 2022 |language = en-US |archive-date = 13 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220313050847/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/06/01/house-of-secrets |url-status = live }}</ref> Fellows at the ] found that 15 pages were copied from an American textbook.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia's plagiarism problem: Even Putin has done it! |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2014/03/18/russias-plagiarism-problem-even-putin-has-done-it/ |newspaper = The Washington Post |access-date = 13 March 2022 |issn = 0190-8286 |language = en-US |archive-date = 19 July 2020 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20200719173720/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2014/03/18/russias-plagiarism-problem-even-putin-has-done-it/ |url-status = live }}</ref>{{sfn|Lourie|2017|loc=Ch 4. Russia's Fall, Putin's Rise|p=52}}
Under the Putin administration the Russian economy saw increases in GDP (2000:10%, 2001: 5.7%, 2002: 4.9%, 2003: 7.3%, 2004: 7.1%, 2005: 6,5%, 2006: 6.7%, 2007: 8.1%), industrial and agricultural production, construction, real incomes, the volume of consumer credit (between 2000-2006 increased 45 times),<ref name=vtbmagazine></ref><ref name=samaratoday></ref> and other economic measures. The number of people living below the poverty line decreased from 29% in 2000 to 15.8% in 2007.<ref name=gks></ref><ref name=CIA></ref> A number of large-scale reforms in retirement (2002), banking (2001 - 2004), tax (2000 - 2003), the monetization of benefits (2005) and others have taken place.


On 25 May 1998, Putin was appointed First Deputy Chief of the ] for the regions, in succession to ]. On 15 July, he was appointed head of the commission for the preparation of agreements on the delimitation of the power of the regions and head of the federal center attached to the president, replacing ]. After Putin's appointment, the commission completed no such agreements, although during Shakhray's term as the head of the Commission 46 such agreements had been signed.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007063156/http://www.itogi.ru/Paper2006.nsf/Article/Itogi_2006_11_19_01_5543.html |date=7 October 2008}} (in Russian) by Oleg Odnokolenko. Itogi, #47(545), 2 January 2007.</ref> Later, after becoming president, Putin cancelled all 46 agreements.<ref name=Vlast /> On 25 July 1998, Yeltsin appointed Putin ] of the ] (FSB), the primary intelligence and security organization of the Russian Federation and the successor to the KGB.<ref name="RosefieldeHedlund2009">{{cite book |last1 = Rosefielde |first1 = Steven |author-link1 = Steven Rosefielde |last2 = Hedlund |first2 = Stefan |author-link2 = Stefan Hedlund |title = Russia Since 1980 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=lNSiw3S8NIUC&pg=PA139 |access-date = 21 May 2017 |year = 2009 |publisher = Cambridge University Press |isbn = 978-0-521-84913-5 |page = 139 }}</ref> In 1999, Putin described ] as "a blind alley, far away from the mainstream of civilization".<ref name="NYorker eclipse">{{Cite magazine |last = Remick |first = David |author-link = David Remnick |title = Watching the Eclipse |url = https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/08/11/watching-eclipse |magazine = ] |date = 3 August 2014 |issue = 11 |access-date = 3 August 2014 |archive-date = 5 January 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220105191353/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/08/11/watching-eclipse |url-status = live }}</ref>
=== First term ===
] at the Kremlin in November 2001.]]
His rise to Russia's highest office ended up being even more rapid: on ], ], Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned and, according to the constitution, Putin became (]) President of the Russian Federation.


=== 1999: First premiership ===
The first Decree that Putin signed December 31, 1999, was the one "On guarantees for former president of the Russian Federation and members of his family".<ref> ] </ref><ref> www.newizv.ru March 18, 2004.</ref> This ensured that "corruption charges against the outgoing President and his relatives" would not be pursued, although this claim is not strictly verifiable.<ref> by Adi Ignatius, Retrieved on December 19, 2007, Time.com</ref> Later on February 12, 2001 Putin signed a federal law on guarantees for former presidents and their families (See ]), which replaced the similar decree. In 1999, Yeltsin and his family were under scrutiny for charges related to money-laundering by the Russian and Swiss authorities.<ref> BBC, September 8, 1999.</ref>
{{Further|Vladimir Putin's First Cabinet}}
While his opponents had been preparing for an election in June 2000, Yeltsin's resignation resulted in the elections being held within three months, in March. This put all of his opponents at a disadvantage, giving him the element of surprise and an eventual victory. ] were held on ], ]; Putin won in the first round.


] on 31 December 1999, when Yeltsin announced his resignation]]
Vladimir Putin was inaugurated president on ]]. He appointed Financial minister ] as his Prime minister. Having announced his intention to consolidate power in the country into a strict vertical, in May 2000 he issued a decree dividing 89 ] between 7 ] overseen by representatives of him in order to facilitate federal administration. In July 2000, according to a law proposed by him and approved by the ], Putin also gained the right to dismiss heads of the federal subjects.


On 9 August 1999, Putin was appointed one of three first deputy prime ministers, and later on that day, was appointed acting prime minister of the Government of the Russian Federation by President ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://news.co.uk/1/hi/not_in_website/syndication/monitoring/415278.stm |title = Text of Yeltsin's speech in English |access-date = 31 May 2007 |date = 9 August 1999 |work = BBC News }}{{dead link|date=July 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Yeltsin also announced that he wanted to see Putin as his successor. Later on that same day, Putin agreed to run for the presidency.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115100905/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/415087.stm |date=15 January 2009 }} BBC. 10 August 1999.</ref>
In December 2000, Putin sanctioned the law to change the ]. At the time the Anthem had music by ] and no words. The change was to restore (with a minor modification) the music of the post-1944 Soviet anthem by ], while the new text was composed by ].<ref> CNN, December 8, 2000.</ref><ref>, StateSymbol.Ru</ref>


On 16 August, the ] approved his appointment as prime minister with 233 votes in favor (vs. 84 against, 17 abstained),<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/422001.stm |title = Yeltsin's man wins approval |work = BBC News |date = 16 August 1999 |access-date = 22 June 2013 |archive-date = 15 January 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090115095231/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/422001.stm |url-status = live }}</ref> while a simple majority of 226 was required, making him Russia's fifth prime minister in fewer than eighteen months. On his appointment, few expected Putin, virtually unknown to the general public, to last any longer than his predecessors. He was initially regarded as a Yeltsin loyalist; like other prime ministers of ], Putin did not choose ministers himself, his cabinet was determined by the presidential administration.<ref>{{harv|Sakwa|2008|p=20}}</ref>
] signing ]]]
The ] in early July ] of ], a ] partner and second largest shareholder in ], on suspicion of illegally acquiring a stake in a state-owned ] firm, ], in 1994, foreshadowed what by the end of the year became a full-fledged prosecution of Yukos and its management for fraud, embezzlement and tax evasion.


Yeltsin's main opponents and would-be successors were already campaigning to replace the ailing president, and they fought hard to prevent Putin's emergence as a potential successor. Following the September 1999 ] and the ] of ] by ], including the former KGB agents, based in the ], Putin's ] image and unrelenting approach to the ] soon combined to raise his popularity and allowed him to overtake his rivals.
A few month before the elections, Putin fired Kasyanov's cabinet and appointed relatively obscure ] to his place. ] became the first civilian in Russia to take Defence Minister position.


While not formally associated with any party, Putin pledged his support to the newly formed ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.nupi.no/cgi-win/Russland/polgrupp.exe?Unity |title = Political groups and parties |access-date = 2 July 2001 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010702200941/http://www.nupi.no/cgi-win/Russland/polgrupp.exe?Unity |archive-date = 2 July 2001 }} Norsk Utenrikspolitisk Institutt</ref> which won the second largest percentage of the popular vote (23.3%) in the ], and in turn supported Putin.
=== Second term ===
{{see also|National Priority Projects}}


=== 1999–2000: Acting presidency ===
On ], ], ] to the presidency for a second term, earning 71 percent of the vote.
{{Main|Putin's rise to power}}
On 31 December 1999, Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned and, according to the ], Putin became ]. On assuming this role, Putin went on a previously scheduled visit to Russian troops in Chechnya.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia: Putin Travels To Chechnya To Visit Troops |url = http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1093548.html |publisher = ] |date = 3 March 2000 |access-date = 22 June 2015 |archive-date = 9 April 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160409210014/http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1093548.html |url-status = live }}</ref>


The first ] that Putin signed on 31 December 1999 was titled "On guarantees for the former president of the Russian Federation and the members of his family".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.rg.ru/oficial/doc/ykazi/1763.htm |title = УКАЗ от 31 December 1999 г. No. 1763 ''О ГАРАНТИЯХ ПРЕЗИДЕНТУ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ, ПРЕКРАТИВШЕМУ ИСПОЛНЕНИЕ СВОИХ ПОЛНОМОЧИЙ, И ЧЛЕНАМ ЕГО СЕМЬИ''. |access-date = 17 December 2007 |archive-date = 19 February 2001 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010219192247/http://www.rg.ru/oficial/doc/ykazi/1763.htm |url-status = dead }} ]</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||author = Александр Колесниченко |url = http://www.newizv.ru/politics/2004-03-18/5273-razvrashenie-pervogo-lica.html |title = "Развращение" первого лица. Госдума не решилась покуситься на неприкосновенность экс-президента |publisher = Newizv.ru |access-date = 22 June 2013 |archive-date = 3 July 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130703000757/http://www.newizv.ru/politics/2004-03-18/5273-razvrashenie-pervogo-lica.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> This ensured that "corruption charges against the outgoing President and his relatives" would not be pursued.<ref name=Time.com-POTY2007>Ignatius, Adi. , '']'', page 4 (19 December 2007). Retrieved 19 November 2009.</ref> This was most notably targeted at the ] bribery case in which Yeltsin's family members were involved. On 30 August 2000, a criminal investigation (number 18/238278-95) in which Putin himself,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Делo Путина |url = http://www.novayagazeta.ru/society/11232.html |work = Novaya Gazeta |date = 23 March 2000 |access-date = 19 March 2016 |archive-date = 1 June 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130601213659/http://www.novayagazeta.ru/society/11232.html |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.compromat.ru/page_10200.htm |title = Компромат.Ru / Compromat.Ru: Фигунанты по квартирному делу |website = compromat.ru |access-date = 19 March 2016 |archive-date = 3 June 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210603043738/http://www.compromat.ru/page_10200.htm |url-status = live }}</ref> as a member of the ] city government, was one of the suspects, was dropped.
On ], ], following the ], Putin suggested the creation of a ] and launched an initiative to replace the direct election of the governors and presidents of ] with a system whereby they would be proposed by the President and approved or disapproved by regional ]s.<ref>Lynch, Dov (2005). . '']'' 81 (1), 141–161.</ref><ref>, ], ]].</ref> He also initiated the merger of a number of federal subjects of Russia into larger entities.


On 30 December 2000, yet another case against the prosecutor general was dropped "for lack of evidence", despite thousands of documents having been forwarded by Swiss prosecutors.<ref>{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=9s2NCgAAQBAJ |title = Putin's Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia? |last = Dawisha |first = Karen |year = 2015 |publisher = Simon & Schuster |isbn = 978-1-4767-9520-1 |access-date = 19 March 2016 |archive-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231111195819/https://books.google.com/books?id=9s2NCgAAQBAJ |url-status = live }}</ref> On 12 February 2001, Putin signed a similar ] which replaced the ] of 1999. A case regarding Putin's alleged corruption in metal exports from 1992 was brought back by ], but she was silenced and forced to leave Saint Petersburg.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Почему Марина Салье молчала о Путине 10 лет? |newspaper = Радио Свобода |date = 26 October 2011 |url = http://www.svoboda.org/content/article/1972366.html |publisher = Radio Svoboda |access-date = 19 March 2016 |last1 = Тимофеев |first1 = Юрий |archive-date = 24 April 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160424060204/http://www.svoboda.org/content/article/1972366.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
According to various Russian and western media reports, one of the major domestic issue concerns for President Putin were the problems arising from the ongoing demographic and social trends in Russia, such as the death rate being higher than the birth rate, cyclical poverty, and housing concerns within the Russian Federation. In 2005, ] were launched in the fields of health care, education, housing and agriculture. In his May 2006 annual speech, Putin proposed increasing maternity benefits and prenatal care for women. Putin was strident about the need to reform the judiciary considering the present federal judiciary "Sovietesque", wherein many of the judges hand down the same verdicts as they would under the old Soviet judiciary structure, and preferring instead a judiciary that interpreted and implemented the code to the current situation. In 2005, responsibility for federal prisons was transferred from the Interior Ministry to the Ministry of Justice.


While his opponents had been preparing for an election in June 2000, Yeltsin's resignation resulted in the ] being held on 26 March 2000; Putin won in the first round with 53% of the vote.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 11 September 2000 |title = Putin won 'rigged elections' |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/919928.stm |access-date = 16 November 2020 |work = BBC News |archive-date = 30 June 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210630072344/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/919928.stm |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Wines |first = Michael |date = 27 March 2000 |title = Election in Russia: The OVerview – Putin Wins Russia Vote in First Round, But His Majority Is Less Than Expected |work = ] |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/27/world/election-russia-overview-putin-wins-russia-vote-first-round-but-his-majority.html |access-date = 16 November 2020 |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = 26 January 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220126015549/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/27/world/election-russia-overview-putin-wins-russia-vote-first-round-but-his-majority.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
One of the most controversial aspects of Putin's second term was the continuation of the criminal prosecution of Russia's richest man, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, President of ] oil company, for fraud and tax evasion. While much of the international press saw this as a reaction against Khodorkovsky's funding for political opponents of the Kremlin, both liberal and communist, the Russian government has argued that Khodorkovsky was engaged in corrupting a large segment of the Duma to prevent changes in the tax code aimed at taxing windfall profits and closing offshore tax evasion vehicles. Khodorkovsky's arrest was met positively by the Russian public, who see the oligarchs as thieves who were unjustly enriched and robbed the country of its natural wealth.<ref name=times>{{cite web|last=Page|first=Jeremy|title=Analysis: punished for his political ambitions|publisher=The Times|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article523129.ece|accessdate=2007-12-27}}</ref> Many of the initial privatizations, including that of Yukos, are widely believed to have been fraudulent (Yukos, valued at some $30bn in 2004, had been privatized for $110 million), and like other oligarchic groups, the Yukos-Menatep name has been frequently tarred with accusations of links to criminal organizations. Tim Osborne of GML (the majority owner of Yukos) said in February 2008: "Despite claims by President Vladimir Putin that the Kremlin had no interest in bankrupting Yukos, the company's assets were auctioned at below-market value. In addition, new debts suddenly emerged out of nowhere, preventing the company from surviving. The main beneficiary of these tactics was Rosneft. It is clearer now than ever that the expropriation of Yukos was a ploy to put key elements of the energy sector in the hands of Putin's retinue. Moreover, the Yukos affair marked a turning point in Russia's commitment to domestic property rights and the rule of law."<ref> by Tim Osborne ] February 15, 2008. Issue 3843. Page 8.</ref> The fate of Yukos was seen by western media as a sign of a broader shift toward a system normally described as ],<ref> by ] www.nationalreview.com November 05, 2003.</ref><ref> by ]
] July 9, ].</ref><ref> by Neil Buckley and ] ] June 19 2006.</ref> where "the entirety of state-owned and controlled enterprises are run by and for the benefit of the cabal around Putin — a collection of former KGB colleagues, St. Petersburg lawyers, and other political cronies." <ref> by Reuben F. Johnson ] April 23, 2007, Volume 012, Issue 30 </ref> Against the backdrop of the Yukos saga, questions were raised about the actual destination of $13.1 billion<ref> by ] ] October 12, 2005.</ref> remitted in October ] by the state-run ] as payment for 75,7% stake in ] to ]-controlled ] accounts,<ref> ''Нефтегазовая Вертикаль'' journal.</ref> after a series of generous dividend payouts and another $3 billion received from Yukos in a failed merger in ].<ref> By Valeria Korchagina ] September 30, 2005.</ref> In ] ] and ] had acquired the controlling interest in Sibneft for $100 million within the controversial ].<ref> By ] ] September 29, 2005.</ref> Some prominent Yeltsin-era billionaires are reported to continue to enjoy close relationship with Putin's Kremlin.<ref> by ] ] ], ].</ref>


=== 2000–2004: First presidential term ===
Since February ], the political philosophy of Putin's administration has often been described as ], the term being used both with positive and pejorative ]s. First proposed by ] in February 2006, the term quickly gained currency within Russia and arguably unified various political elites around it. According to its proponents' interpretation, the government's actions and policies ought above all to enjoy popular support within Russia itself and not be determined from outside the country.<ref> ], public appear, 7 February 2006</ref><ref> ], briefing, 28 June 2006.</ref> However, as implied by expert of the ] ], "''Sovereign democracy'' is a Kremlin coinage that conveys two messages: first, that Russia's regime is democratic and, second, that this claim must be accepted, period. Any attempt at verification will be regarded as unfriendly and as meddling in Russia's domestic affairs." <ref></ref> Observers outside Russia derided the term as a subterfuge to mask what is otherwise known as ].<ref> By Jim Maceda ] ], 2007.</ref>
{{See also|Vladimir Putin 2000 presidential campaign}}


]
During the term, Putin was widely criticized in the West and also by Russian liberals for what many observers considered a wide-scale crackdown on ] (''See also ]''). Since the early 1990s, a number of Russian reporters who have covered the situation in ], contentious stories on organized crime, state and administrative officials, and large businesses have been killed.<ref> - Committee to Protect Journalists</ref><ref></ref> On ], ], ], a journalist who ran a campaign exposing corruption in the ] and its conduct in ], was shot in the lobby of her apartment building. The death of this Russian journalist triggered an outcry of criticism of Russia in the Western media, with accusations that, at best, Putin has failed to protect the country's new independent media.<ref>, Joan Smith.</ref> <ref>, Democracy Now</ref> In January 2008, Oleg Panfilov, head of the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations, maintained that a system of "judicial terrorism" had started against journalists under Putin and that more than 300 criminal cases had been opened against them over the past six years.<ref> by ] ] January 15, 2008. Issue 3820. Page 1.</ref>


The inauguration of President Putin occurred on 7 May 2000. He appointed the ], ], as prime minister.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Kasyanov appointed premier in Russia |url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/05/07/Kasyanov-appointed-premier-in-Russia/5356957672000/ |access-date = 19 March 2022 |work = United Press International |archive-date = 19 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220319133258/https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/05/07/Kasyanov-appointed-premier-in-Russia/5356957672000/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The first major challenge to Putin's popularity came in August 2000, when he was criticized for the alleged mishandling of the ].<ref name=Kursk> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115100835/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/1487112.stm |date=15 January 2009 }}. ]. 12 August 2001. Retrieved 30 August 2020.</ref> That criticism was largely because it took several days for Putin to return from vacation, and several more before he visited the scene.<ref name=Kursk />
At the same time, according to 2005 research by ], the share of Russians approving ] on TV grew in a year from 63% to 82%; sociologists believed that Russians were not voting in favor of press freedom suppression, but rather for expulsion of ethically doubtful material (such as scenes of violence and sex).<ref name="vciom-censorship">Source: , Russian Development Portal, 24 June 2005</ref>


Between 2000 and 2004, Putin set about the reconstruction of the impoverished condition of the country, apparently winning a power-struggle with the ]s, reaching a 'grand bargain' with them. This bargain allowed the oligarchs to maintain most of their powers, in exchange for their explicit support for—and alignment with—Putin's government.<ref>{{harv|Sakwa|2008|pp=143–150}}</ref><ref>''Playing Russian Roulette: Putin in search of good governance'', by Andre Mommen, in ''Good Governance in the Era of Global Neoliberalism: Conflict and Depolitisation in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa'', by Jolle Demmers, Alex E. Fernández Jilberto, Barbara Hogenboom (Routledge, 2004).</ref>
In a 2007 interview with newspaper journalists from G8 countries, Putin spoke out in favor of a longer presidential term in Russia, saying "a term of five, six or seven years in office would be entirely acceptable".<ref name="Int_G8_2007">, June 4, 2007, full official transcript.</ref><ref name="Guardian_G8_2007">{{dead link|date=December 2007}} by Jim Heintz (]). ], ]].</ref> According to the constitution of Russia, the President is elected for a term of four years.<ref></ref>


] before an interview on 2 June 2000]]
On ] ], Russian news agencies reported that Putin dissolved the government upon the request of Prime Minister ]. Fradkov commented that it was to give the President a "free hand" to make decisions in the run-up to the parliamentary election. ] was appointed the new prime minister.<ref></ref>


The ] occurred in October 2002. Many in the Russian press and in the international media warned that the deaths of 130 hostages in the special forces' rescue operation during the crisis would severely damage President Putin's popularity. However, shortly after the siege had ended, the Russian president enjoyed record public approval ratings—83% of Russians declared themselves satisfied with Putin and his handling of the siege.<ref>Wyatt, Caroline (16 December 2002). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028060245/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2565585.stm |date=28 October 2021 }}. BBC News. Retrieved 30 August 2020.</ref>
In ] ], Putin-backed ] won 64.24% of the popular vote in their run for ] according to election preliminary results.<ref>{{dead link|date=December 2007}}, December 4, 2007, Rbc.ru</ref> Their closest competitor, the Communist Party of Russia, won approximately 12% of votes.<ref>, Retrieved on December 4, 2007, Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation</ref> United Russia's victory in December 2007 elections is seen by many as an indication of strong popular support of the current Russian leadership and its policies.<ref>, December 4, 2007, Izvestia.ru</ref><ref>, December 3, 2007, Izvestia.ru</ref>


In 2003, a referendum was held in ], adopting a new constitution which declares that the Republic of Chechnya is a part of Russia; on the other hand, the region did acquire autonomy.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18188085 |title = Chechnya profile |date = 17 January 2018 |work = BBC News |access-date = 30 August 2020 |archive-date = 27 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220227123944/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18188085 |url-status = live }}</ref> Chechnya has been gradually stabilized with the establishment of the Parliamentary elections and a Regional Government.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2331993.ece |title = Can Grozny be groovy? |work = ] |date = 6 March 2007 |archive-date = 28 March 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070328082726/http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2331993.ece |location = London }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.hrw.org/campaigns/russia/chechnya/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061121224006/http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/russia/chechnya/ |archive-date = 21 November 2006 |title = Human Rights Watch Reports, on human rights abuses in Chechnya |publisher = Human Rights Watch |access-date = 22 June 2013 }}</ref> Throughout the ], Russia severely disabled the Chechen rebel movement; however, sporadic attacks by rebels continued to occur throughout the northern Caucasus.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/russia/ |title = The World Factbook |publisher = ] |access-date = 30 August 2020 |archive-date = 9 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210109173026/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/russia/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
The end of ] saw what both Russian and Western analysts viewed as an increasingly bitter infighting between various factions of the '']'' that make up a significant part of Putin's inner circle.<ref>{{cite web
|url= http://www.newsweek.com/id/73233/output/print
|title= Under A Quiet Surface. Forget democracy. The real Russian politics rages in the Kremlin.
|accessdate=2007-12-12
|accessdaymonth=
|accessmonthday=
|accessyear=
|author= Owen Matthews
|last=
|first=
|authorlink=
|coauthors= Anna Nemtsova
|date= 2007-12-01
|year=
|month=
|format=
|work=
|publisher= ]
|pages=
|language=English
|doi=
|archiveurl=
|archivedate=
|quote= In the last eight years we have created a very solid Soviet-style bureaucratic elite, with their own codes and speaking the same language.
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| title = ''The secret policeman's election''.
| work =
| publisher = ]
| date= Dec 6th 2007
| url = http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10268185
| accessdate = 2007-12-13}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web
|url= http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7ed8b2ba-a855-11dc-9485-0000779fd2ac.html
|title= An apparatchik president? Why Russia expects Putin to stay on at Medvedev’s side
|accessdate=2007-12-13
|accessdaymonth=
|accessmonthday=
|accessyear=
|author= Neil Buckley
|last=
|first=
|authorlink=
|coauthors= Catherine Belton
|date= 2007-12-12
|year=
|month=
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|publisher= ]
|pages=
|language=English
|doi=
|archiveurl=
|archivedate=
|quote= One former insider says the tussles looked as if the siloviki were paving the way for a takeover of power.
}}</ref><ref> by Catherine Belton ] December 20, 2007.</ref><ref> РБК Daily Dec 3, 2007</ref><ref> ''Маркетинг и консалтинг'' News Agency 07 декабря 2007.</ref><ref> ] № 93 Dec 6, 2007.</ref><ref> ] Dec 14, 2007.</ref>


=== 2004–2008: Second presidential term ===
The Russian sociologist Igor Eidman (VCIOM) qualifies the regime that has solidified under Putin as "the power of bureaucratic ]" which has "the traits of extreme right-wing dictatorship — the dominance of ] capital in the economy, ''silovoki'' structures in governance, ] and ] in ideology".<ref> ] № 230 December 14, 2007.</ref> Some analysts assess the socio-economic system which has emerged in Russia as profoundly unstable and the situation in the kremlin after Medvedev's nomination as fraught with a ], as "Putin has built a political construction that resembles a pyramid which rests on its tip, rather than on its base".<ref> by Arkady Ostrovsky ] From The World in 2008 print edition.</ref><ref> by ] ] ], ].</ref>
{{See also|Vladimir Putin 2004 presidential campaign}}


], ], ], ] and other state leaders in Moscow during the ] parade, 9 May 2005<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Birch |first = Douglas |url = https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2005-05-10-0505100052-story.html |title = World leaders unite as Russia proudly marks V-E Day |work = ] |date = 10 May 2005 |access-date = 31 December 2021 |archive-date = 31 December 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211231124710/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2005-05-10-0505100052-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref>]]
] wrote in February 2008: "The main lesson we should have learned from Putin's eight years in office is a recognition that under the traditional Russian political system that he has revitalized, not only do officials not mean what they say, but also that obfuscation is essential to the way it all works. <...> Putin's playing of the Russian political game has been virtuosic."<ref> by ] ] February 5, 2008. Issue 3835. Page 10.</ref>


On 14 March 2004, ] to the presidency for a second term, receiving 71% of the vote.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Mydans |first = Seth |date = 15 March 2004 |title = As Expected, Putin Easily Wins a Second Term in Russia (Published 2004) |work = ] |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/15/world/as-expected-putin-easily-wins-a-second-term-in-russia.html |access-date = 16 November 2020 |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = 17 August 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210817223858/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/15/world/as-expected-putin-easily-wins-a-second-term-in-russia.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The ] took place on 1–3 September 2004; more than 330 people died, including 186 children.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4207112.stm |title = Putin meets angry Beslan mothers |work = BBC News |date = 2 September 2005 |access-date = 23 March 2020 |archive-date = 4 September 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170904113947/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4207112.stm |url-status = live }}</ref>
On February 8, 2008, Putin delivered a speech before the expanded session of the State Council headlined "On the Strategy of Russia's Development until 2020",<ref> RF President's official web site, Feb 8, 2008.</ref> which was interpreted by the Russian media as his "political bequest". The speech was largely devoted to castigating the state of affairs in the 1990s and setting ambitious targets of economic growth by 2020.<ref> by Alexander Golts ''Yezhednevny Zhurnal'' Feb 8, 2008.</ref> He also condemned Nato's expansion and the US plan to include Poland and the Czech Republic in a missile defence shield and promised that "Russia has, and always will have, responses to these new challenges".<ref> ] 8 February 2008.</ref> Following the speech, ] of ] argued: "In place of erstwhile hopes for the emergence of a pro-western Russian democracy, we have proto-fascism: aggrieved nationalism; bullying of smaller nations; a cult of the strong leader; suspicion of enemies within; and resentment of foreigners. Yet Russia is also a nuclear-armed state with vast energy resources. That makes this development worrying, as well as depressing. Russia has chosen the statecraft of fear over the promise of freedom. No doubt, mistakes by the west helped bring this about. <...> Mr Putin then is a failure, not a success. But he is a dangerous failure. The regime he has created is unpredictable: nobody can know how the post-election duumvirate will work. But it is unlikely to provide sustained improvements in prosperity."<ref> by ] ] ] 2008.</ref>


The near 10-year period prior to the rise of Putin after the dissolution of Soviet rule was a time of upheaval in Russia.<ref name=bbcotd>{{#invoke:cite news||title = On this Day December 25: Gorbachev resigns as Soviet Union breaks up |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/december/25/newsid_2542000/2542749.stm |access-date = 23 December 2016 |work = BBC News |archive-date = 19 January 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170119142211/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/december/25/newsid_2542000/2542749.stm |url-status = live }}</ref> In a 2005 ] speech, Putin characterized the collapse of the ] as the "greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the twentieth century".<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin deplores collapse of USSR |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4480745.stm |access-date = 23 December 2016 |work = BBC News |date = 25 April 2005 |archive-date = 20 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210120234323/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4480745.stm |url-status = live }}</ref> Putin elaborated, "Moreover, the epidemic of disintegration infected Russia itself."<ref>{{cite journal |last1 = Gold |first1 = Martin |title = Understanding the Russian Move into Ukraine |journal = The National Law Review |date = 16 September 2015 |url = http://www.natlawreview.com/article/understanding-russian-move-ukraine |access-date = 23 December 2016 |archive-date = 23 December 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161223133033/http://www.natlawreview.com/article/understanding-russian-move-ukraine |url-status = live }}</ref> The country's cradle-to-grave ] was gone and life expectancy declined in the period preceding Putin's rule.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Krainova |first1 = N. |title = Life Expectancy in Russia Is Stagnant, Study Says |url = https://themoscowtimes.com/news/life-expectancy-in-russia-is-stagnant-study-says-22106 |access-date = 23 December 2016 |work = Moscow Times |date = 5 March 2013 |archive-date = 29 January 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170129233512/https://themoscowtimes.com/news/life-expectancy-in-russia-is-stagnant-study-says-22106 |url-status = live }}</ref> In 2005, the ] were launched to improve Russia's ], ], ], and ].<ref name="bofit">{{cite journal |journal = BOFIT Online |url = http://www.suomenpankki.fi/en/suomen_pankki/organisaatio/asiantuntijoita/Documents/bon0608.pdf |title = The challenges of the Medvedev era |date = 24 June 2008 |access-date = 24 September 2011 |issn = 1456-811X |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120320025511/http://www.suomenpankki.fi/en/suomen_pankki/organisaatio/asiantuntijoita/Documents/bon0608.pdf |archive-date = 20 March 2012 }}</ref><ref name="bbc-demography">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/russian/mobile/russia/2012/04/120411_putin_duma_constitution.shtml |title = BBC Russian – Россия – Путин очертил "дорожную карту" третьего срока |publisher = BBC |access-date = 25 November 2015 |archive-date = 12 August 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130812180804/http://www.bbc.co.uk/russian/mobile/russia/2012/04/120411_putin_duma_constitution.shtml |url-status = live }}</ref>
=== Foreign policy ===
{{main|Foreign relations of Russia}}
In international affairs, Putin has been publicly increasingly critical of the foreign policies of the ] and other Western countries. In February ], at the annual ], he criticised what he calls the United States' monopolistic dominance in global relations, and pointed out that the United States displayed an "almost uncontained hyper use of force in international relations". He said the result of it is that "no one feels safe! Because no one can feel that ] is like a stone wall that will protect them. Of course such a policy stimulates an arms race."<ref name="Munich">43rd ]. , February 10, 2007.</ref>


The continued criminal prosecution of the wealthiest man in Russia at the time, president of ] oil and gas company ], for fraud and ] was seen by the international press as a retaliation for Khodorkovsky's donations to both liberal and communist opponents of the Kremlin.<ref>{{Cite book |title = Russia: Russia president Vladimir Putin rule: achievements, problems and future strategies |date = 2014 |publisher = International Business Publications |isbn = 978-1-4330-6774-7 |location = Washington, DC |page = 70 |oclc = 956347599 }}</ref> Khodorkovsky was arrested, Yukos was bankrupted, and the company's assets were auctioned at below-market value, with the largest share acquired by the state company ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412114545/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion/article/how-to-steal-legally/302115.html |date=12 April 2016 }} '']'', 15 February 2008 (issue 3843, page 8).</ref> The fate of Yukos was seen as a sign of a broader shift of Russia towards a system of ].<ref> by ], ''National Review'', 5 November 2003. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081228011223/http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/gvosdev200311050739.asp |date=28 December 2008}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605003448/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37580-2004Jul8.html |date=5 June 2021 }} by ], '']'', 9 July 2004.</ref> This was underscored in July 2014, when shareholders of Yukos were awarded $50&nbsp;billion in compensation by the ] in ].<ref name="YukosCase">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Hague court awards $50 bn compensation to Yukos shareholders |url = http://www.russiaherald.com/index.php/sid/224207121/scat/723971d98160d438/ht/Hague-court-awards-50-bn-compensation-to-Yukos-shareholders |access-date = 29 July 2014 |work = Russia Herald |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140730050514/http://www.russiaherald.com/index.php/sid/224207121/scat/723971d98160d438/ht/Hague-court-awards-50-bn-compensation-to-Yukos-shareholders |archive-date = 30 July 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
He called for a "fair and democratic world order that would ensure security and prosperity not only for a select few, but for all". He proposed certain initiatives such as establishing international centres for the ] and prevention of deploying weapons in outer space.<ref name="Munich"/> In his January 2007 interview Putin said Russia is in favour of a democratic multipolar world and of strengthening the system of international law.<ref> for Indian Television Channel Doordarshan and Press Trust of India News Agency, January 18, 2007. </ref>


On 7 October 2006, ], a journalist who exposed corruption in the ] and its conduct in ], was shot in the lobby of her apartment building, on Putin's birthday. The death of Politkovskaya triggered international criticism, with accusations that Putin had failed to protect the country's new independent media.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/joan-smith/joan-smith-putins-russia-failed-to-protect-this-brave-woman-419313.html |title = Putin's Russia failed to protect this brave woman – Joan Smith |work = The Independent |date = 9 October 2006 |access-date = 22 June 2013 |location = London |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081207030505/http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/joan-smith/joan-smith-putins-russia-failed-to-protect-this-brave-woman-419313.html |archive-date = 7 December 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/10/09/1358259 |title = Anna Politkovskaya, Prominent Russian Journalist, Putin Critic and Human Rights Activist, Murdered in Moscow |website = Democracy Now |date = 9 October 2006 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061010184602/https://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06%2F10%2F09%2F1358259 |archive-date = 10 October 2006 }}</ref> Putin himself said that her death caused the government more problems than her writings.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||first = Andrey |last = Kolesnikov |title = Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel Work Together |work = Kommersant |url = http://www.kommersant.com/p712110/r_527/Putin_visit_Germany/ |date = 11 October 2006 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184736/http://www.kommersant.com/p712110/r_527/Putin_visit_Germany/ |archive-date = 30 September 2007 }}</ref>
] ] at ]]]
While Putin is often characterised as an ] by the Western media and some politicians<ref> ] September 15, 2004</ref><ref> ] December 13, 2007</ref>, his relationship with US President ], former British Prime Minister ], former ] ] ], former French President ], and former Italian Prime Minister ] are reported to be personally friendly. Putin's relationship with Germany's new Chancellor, ], is reported to be "cooler" and "more business-like" than his partnership with Gerhard Schröder.<ref> BBC News 16 January 2006</ref>


], Putin brought in his Labrador in front of her, who has a ].]]
In the wake of the ] on the United States, he agreed to the establishment of coalition military bases in ] before and during the ]. Russian nationalists objected to the establishment of any US military presence on the territory of the former Soviet Union, and had expected Putin to keep the US out of the Central Asian republics, or at the very least extract a commitment from Washington to withdraw from these bases as soon as the immediate military necessity had passed.


In January 2007, Putin met with ] ] at his ] residence in ], two weeks after Russia switched off oil supplies to Germany. Putin brought his black ] ] in front of Merkel, who has a noted ] and looked visibly uncomfortable in its presence, adding, "I'm sure it will behave itself", causing a furor among the German press corps.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Germany and Russia Try to Smooth Over Energy Tensions |url = https://www.spiegel.de/international/putin-merkel-summit-germany-and-russia-try-to-smooth-over-energy-tensions-a-461249.html |publisher = ] |access-date = 24 January 2023 |ref = spiegel |date = 22 January 2007 |archive-date = 24 January 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230124164009/https://www.spiegel.de/international/putin-merkel-summit-germany-and-russia-try-to-smooth-over-energy-tensions-a-461249.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="tny">{{cite magazine |last1 = Packer |first1 = George |title = The Quiet German |url = https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/12/01/quiet-german |magazine = ] |access-date = 24 January 2023 |date = 24 November 2014 |archive-date = 9 December 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141209073023/http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/12/01/quiet-german |url-status = live }}</ref> When asked about the incident in a January 2016 interview with ], Putin claimed he was not aware of her phobia, adding, "I wanted to make her happy. When I found out that she did not like dogs, I of course apologized."<ref name="bild">{{#invoke:cite web||last1 = Blome |first1 = Nikolaus |last2 = Diekmann |first2 = Kai |title = Warum Putin Merkel mit seinem Hund erschreckte |url = https://www.bild.de/politik/ausland/wladimir-putin/interview-mit-dem-russischen-praesidenten-russland-44091672.bild.html |work = ] |access-date = 24 January 2023 |date = 11 January 2016 |archive-date = 31 January 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230131120730/https://www.bild.de/politik/ausland/wladimir-putin/interview-mit-dem-russischen-praesidenten-russland-44091672.bild.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Merkel later told a group of reporters, "I understand why he has to do this – to prove he's a man. He's afraid of his own weakness. Russia has nothing, no successful politics or economy. All they have is this."<ref name="tny"/>
During the ], Putin opposed Washington's move to invade ] without the benefit of a ] resolution explicitly authorizing the use of military force. After the official end of the war was announced, American president ] asked the United Nations to lift sanctions on ]. Putin supported lifting of the sanctions in due course, arguing that the ] commission first be given a chance to complete its work on the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.


], ] and ] at the ] in Moscow, April 2007]]
In 2005, Putin and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder negotiated the construction of a ] exclusively between Russia and Germany. Schröder also attended Putin's 53rd birthday in Saint Petersburg the same year.


In a ] at the ], Putin complained about the feeling of insecurity engendered by the dominant position in geopolitics of the United States and observed that a former NATO official had made rhetorical promises not to ] in Eastern Europe.
The ], seen in Moscow as its traditional sphere of influence, became one of the foreign policy priorities under Putin, as the ] and ] have grown to encompass much of ] and, more recently, the ].
] gala dinner with ], Kwon Yang-sook, ] (right), and Laura Bush (far right)]]
During the ], Putin twice visited Ukraine before the election to show his support for Ukrainian Prime Minister ], who was widely seen as a pro-Kremlin candidate, and he congratulated him on his anticipated victory before the official election returns had been in. Putin's personal support for Yanukovych was criticized as unwarranted interference in the affairs of a sovereign state (''See also ]''). Crises also developed in Russia's relations with ] and ], both former Soviet republics accusing Moscow of supporting separatist entities in their territories. Moscow's policies under Putin towards these states are viewed by politicians in the West as "efforts to bully democratic neighbors".<ref>{{cite web
| last = McCain
| first = John
| title = An Enduring Peace Built on Freedom // Revitalizing the Transatlantic Partnership
| work = Foreign Affairs
| publisher = ]
| date = November/December 2007, Vol 86, Number 6
| url = http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20071101faessay86602-p30/john-mccain/an-enduring-peace-built-on-freedom.html
| accessdate = 2008-02-06}}</ref> ] in a December, 2007, article in ] said "Putin has also suppressed many of the freedoms won after the fall of communism, created a new class of oligarchs, and interfered deeply in the internal affairs of former Soviet republics."<ref>{{cite web
| last = Clinton
| first = Hillary
| title = Security and Opportunity for the Twenty-first Century // Security Through Statesmanship
| work = Foreign Affairs
| publisher = ]
| date = November/December 2007, Vol 86, Number 6
| url = http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20071101faessay86601-p40/hillary-rodham-clinton/security-and-opportunity-for-the-twenty-first-century.html
| accessdate = 2008-02-06}}</ref> On another occasion, Clinton also made her other famous remarks about Putin by saying the following: "He was a KGB agent. By definition he doesn’t have a soul".<ref name="clinton_says_putin_has_no_soul"/> When asked at a press conference on February 14, 2008 about Clinton's remarks regarding his soul, Putin was quoted as saying the following in response: "I think that a statesman must have a head as a minimum. And in order to build interstate relationships, one must be governed by the fundamental interest of one's own country rather than by emotions."<ref name="press_conference_feb_2008"/>


On 14 July 2007, Putin announced that Russia would ] of its ] obligations, effective after 150 days,<ref name="nticp">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) |url = https://www.nti.org/education-center/treaties-and-regimes/treaty-conventional-armed-forces-europe-cfe/ |publisher = Nuclear Threat Initiative |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 24 May 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220524231852/https://www.nti.org/education-center/treaties-and-regimes/treaty-conventional-armed-forces-europe-cfe/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="wbaca">{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Boese |first1 = Wade |title = Russia Suspends CFE Treaty Implementation |url = https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2008-01/russia-suspends-cfe-treaty-implementation |publisher = Arms Control Association |date = January 2008 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 28 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220228203323/https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2008-01/russia-suspends-cfe-treaty-implementation |url-status = live }}</ref> and suspend its ratification of the ], which treaty was shunned by NATO members abeyant Russian withdrawal from Transnistria and the ]. Moscow continued to participate in the joint consultative group, because it hoped that dialogue could lead to the creation of an effective, new conventional arms control regime in Europe.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Reif |first1 = Kingston |title = Russia Completes CFE Treaty Suspension |url = https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2015-04/news-briefs/russia-completes-cfe-treaty-suspension |publisher = Arms Control Association |date = April 2015 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 23 May 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220523005051/https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2015-04/news-briefs/russia-completes-cfe-treaty-suspension |url-status = live }}</ref> Russia did specify steps that NATO could take to end the suspension. "These include members cutting their arms allotments and further restricting temporary weapons deployments on each NATO member's territory. Russia also want constraints eliminated on how many forces it can deploy in its southern and northern flanks. Moreover, it is pressing NATO members to ratify a 1999 updated version of the accord, known as the ], and demanding that the four alliance members outside the original treaty, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia, join it."<ref name=wbaca/>
Russia's relations with the Baltic states also remain tense. In 2007, Russo-Estonian relations deteriorated further as a result of the ] controversy.<ref>In this connection it is worth of mention that Putin's father, an ] officer, was nearly killed in Estonia, while on a sabotage mission during ]. The fact may have had some influence on Vladimir Putin's attitudes, as suggested by Lynn Berry in the article “Behind Putin's Estonia Complex” (in ], ], ]). Text </ref>


In early 2007, "]es" were organized by the opposition group ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Lee |first = Steven |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/10/world/europe/10kasparov.html?ex=1331182800&en=2f3ff57730367a82&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |title = Kasparov, Building Opposition to Putin |location = Russia |work = The New York Times |date = 10 March 2007 |access-date = 2 March 2010 |archive-date = 27 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220227141454/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/10/world/europe/10kasparov.html?ex=1331182800&en=2f3ff57730367a82&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |url-status = live }}</ref> led by former chess champion ] and national-Bolshevist leader ]. Following prior warnings, demonstrations in several Russian cities were met by police action, which included interfering with the travel of the protesters and the arrests of as many as 150 people who attempted to break through police lines.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Garry Kasparov jailed over rally |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7110910.stm |work = BBC News |date = 24 November 2007 |access-date = 9 April 2010 |archive-date = 18 July 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210718234516/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7110910.stm |url-status = live }}</ref>
Putin took an active personal part in promoting the ] signed ] ] that restored relations between the Moscow-based ] and ] after the 80-year schism <ref name="LA Times">{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/world/4815010.html|date=May 17, 2007|title=Russian Orthodox Church ends 80-year split|author=David Holley|publisher=Los Angeles Times}}{{dead link|date=December 2007}}</ref>.


On 12 September 2007, Putin dissolved the government upon the request of Prime Minister ]. Fradkov commented that it was to give the President a "free hand" in the run-up to the parliamentary election. ] was appointed the new prime minister.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296505,00.html |title = Putin Dissolves Government, Nominates Viktor Zubkov as New Prime Minister |publisher = Fox News |date = 12 September 2007 |access-date = 2 March 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120917025219/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296505,00.html |archive-date = 17 September 2012 |url-status = dead }}</ref> On 19 September 2007, Putin's nuclear-capable bombers commenced exercises near the US, for the first time since the downfall of the USSR.<ref name=dwdgp/>
In his annual address to the Federal Assembly on April 26, 2007, Putin announced plans to declare a moratorium on the observance of the ] by Russia until all NATO members ratified it and started observing its provisions, as Russia had been doing on a unilateral basis. Putin argues that as new NATO members have not even signed the treaty so far, an imbalance in the presence of NATO and Russian armed forces in Europe creates a real threat and an unpredictable situation for Russia.<ref name="annual_address_cfe">, April 26, 2007, Kremlin, Moscow</ref> NATO members said they would refuse to ratify the treaty until Russia complied with its ] commitments made in Istanbul whereby Russia should remove troops and military equipment from ] and ]. Russian Foreign Minister ] was quoted as saying in response that "Russia has long since fulfilled all its Istanbul obligations relevant to CFE".<ref>, December 3, 2007, Izvestia.ru</ref> Russia has suspended its participation in the CFE as of midnight Moscow time on December 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Russia walks away from CFE arms treaty
| publisher = ] via ]
| date= Dec 12, 2007
| url = http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071212/ts_afp/russiausnatomilitarycfe_071212075936
| accessdate = 2007-12-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| title = Russia Suspends Participation In CFE Treaty
| publisher = ]
| date= December 12, 2007
| url = http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/12/b1d3648d-7728-4fbb-8c52-0d2d2ee65453.html
| accessdate = 2007-12-13}}</ref> On ], 2007, the United States officially said it "deeply regretted the Russian Federation's decision to 'suspend' implementation of its obligations under the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE)." State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, in a written statement, added that "Russia's conventional forces are the largest on the European continent, and its unilateral action damages this successful arms control regime."<ref>{{cite web
| title = US 'deeply regrets' Russia's 'wrong' decision on CFE
| publisher = ]
| date= Dec 12, 2007
| url = http://www.spacewar.com/reports/US_deeply_regrets_Russias_wrong_decision_on_CFE_999.html
| accessdate = 2007-12-13}}</ref> NATO's primary concern arising from Russia's suspension is that Moscow could now accelerate its military presence in the ].<ref>{{cite web
| title = Putin poised to freeze arms pact as assertiveness grows
| publisher = ]
| date= December 12, 2007
| url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bf64d30e-a855-11dc-9485-0000779fd2ac.html
| accessdate = 2007-12-13}}</ref>


In December 2007, ]—the governing party that supports the policies of Putin—won 64.24% of the popular vote in their run for ] according to election preliminary results.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url=http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews.shtml?/20071204122205.shtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908051006/http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews.shtml?/20071204122205.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 September 2012 |title= НОВОСТИ ДНЯ {{!}} ЦИК: По итогам обработки 99,8% бюллетеней "ЕР" набрала 64,24% голосов на выборах в ГД.|trans-title=Election Preliminary Results for United Russia|date= 4 December 2007|website= www.rbc.ru}}</ref> United Russia's victory in the December 2007 elections was seen by many as an indication of strong popular support of the then Russian leadership and its policies.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511161657/http://www.izvestia.ru/politic/article3110945/ |date=11 May 2011}}, 4 December 2007, ''Izvestia''</ref><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511161622/http://www.izvestia.ru/politic/article3110880/ |date=11 May 2011}}, 3 December 2007, ''Izvestia''</ref> On 11 February 2008, while Putin addressed the 15th anniversary party of ], its employees threatened Ukraine with a stoppage of flow.<ref name=dwdgp/>
The months following Putin's ] speech<ref name="Munich"/> were marked by tension and a surge in rhetorics on both sides of the Atlantic. So, Vladimir Putin said at the anniversary of the Victory Day, "these threats are not becoming fewer but are only transforming and changing their appearance. These new threats, just as under the Third Reich, show the same contempt for human life and the same aspiration to establish an exclusive dictate over the world."<ref>, Red Square, Moscow, May 9, 2007</ref> This was interpreted by some Russian and Western commentators as comparing the U.S. to ]. On the eve of the 33rd Summit of the G8 in ], American journalist ], who is married to a Polish politician, wrote that "Whether by waging ], threatening the gas supplies of Lithuania, or boycotting ] and Polish meat, he has, over the past few years, made it clear that he intends to reassert Russian influence in the former communist states of Europe, whether those states want Russian influence or not. At the same time, he has also made it clear that he no longer sees Western nations as mere benign trading partners, but rather as ]-style threats."<ref> By ], 05/06/2007 </ref>


On 4 April 2008 at the ] ], invitee Putin told ] and other conference delegates: "We view the appearance of a powerful military bloc on our border as a direct threat to the security of our nation. The claim that this process is not directed against Russia will not suffice. National security is not based on promises."<ref name="dwdgp">{{cite news |title=Russia's Gazprom{{snd}}Corrupt politicians and the greed of the west |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCNHwH9MxGA |agency=YouTube |publisher=DW Documentary |date=10 February 2024 |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210172759/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCNHwH9MxGA |url-status=live }}</ref>
British historian ] described Putin as "]'s spiritual heir" in his article "''Will we have to fight Russia in this Century?''".<ref name="hastings_cold_war"/> British academic ] in his article "''No wonder they like Putin''" compared Putin to General ].<ref name="norman_stone_timesonline"/> Adi Ignatius argues that "Putin... is not a Stalin. There are no mass purges in Russia today, no broad climate of terror. But Putin is reconstituting a strong state, and anyone who stands in his way will pay for it."<ref> by Adi Ignatius, Retrieved on December 19, 2007, Time.com</ref> In the same article, Hastings continues that although "a return to the direct military confrontation of the ] is unlikely", "the notion of Western friendship with Russia is a dead letter"<ref name="hastings_cold_war"> by ], June 5, 2007, Daily Mail</ref> Both Russian and American officials always denied the idea of a new Cold War. So, the US defence secretary ] said yet on the Munich Conference: "We all face many common problems and challenges that must be addressed in partnership with other countries, including Russia. ... One Cold War was quite enough."<ref>], ] ] ]]</ref> Vladimir Putin said prior to 33rd G8 Summit, on ]: "we do not want confrontation; we want to engage in dialogue. However, we want a dialogue that acknowledges the equality of both parties’ interests."<ref name="Int_G8_2007"/>


=== 2008–2012: Second premiership ===
Putin publicly opposed to a ] in ], presented President ] with a counterproposal on ] ] of sharing the use of the Soviet-era radar system in ] rather than building a new system in the ]. Putin expressed readiness to modernize the ] radar station, which has been in operation since 1986. Putin proposed it would not be necessary to place interceptor missiles in Poland then, but interceptors could be placed in NATO member ] or ]. Putin suggested also equal involvement of interested European countries in the project.<ref>, June 8, 2007</ref>
{{Further|Vladimir Putin's Second Cabinet|Medvedev–Putin tandemocracy}}{{see also|Presidency of Dmitry Medvedev}}
]
], March 2008]]


Putin was barred from a third consecutive term by the ]. First Deputy Prime Minister ] was elected his successor. In a ], only a day after handing the presidency to Medvedev, Putin was appointed ], maintaining his political dominance.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/09/world/europe/09russia.html |title = Putin Is Approved as Prime Minister |date = 9 May 2008 |work = The New York Times |access-date = 20 February 2017 |archive-date = 22 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220222050941/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/09/world/europe/09russia.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
In a June 4, 2007, interview to journalists of G8 countries, when answering the question of whether Russian nuclear forces may be focused on European targets in case "the United States continues building a strategic shield in Poland and the Czech Republic", Putin admitted that "if part of the United States’ nuclear capability is situated in Europe and that our military experts consider that they represent a potential threat then we will have to take appropriate retaliatory steps. What steps? Of course we must have new targets in Europe."<ref name="Int_G8_2007"/><ref>Doug Sanders, , '']'', ], ]</ref><ref>, RIA Novosti, November 15, 2007</ref>


Putin has said that overcoming the consequences of the world economic crisis was one of the two main achievements of his second premiership.<ref name=bbc-demography /> The other was ] between 2008 and 2011 following a long period of demographic collapse that began in the 1990s.<ref name=bbc-demography />
The end of 2006 brought strained relations between Russia and Britain in the wake of the death of ] in London by poisoning. On July 20, 2007 UK Prime Minister ] expelled "four Russian envoys over Putin's refusal to extradite ex-KGB agent ], wanted in the UK for the murder of fellow former spy ] in London."<ref name="expul">{{cite news|title=Brown Defends Russian Expulsions, Decries Killings|author=Gonzalo Vina and Sebastian Alison|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=ajvS9NfMW2EE&refer=uk|publisher=Bloomberg News|date=July 20, 2007}}</ref> The Russian constitution prohibits the extradition of Russian nationals to third countries. British Foreign Secretary ] said that "this situation is not unique, and other countries have amended their constitutions, for example to give effect to the European Arrest Warrant".<ref>, July 16, 2007</ref>


The ] that both started and finished in August 2008 was imagined by Putin and communicated to his staff as early 2006.<ref name="jt1">{{cite news |url=https://jamestown.org/program/putin-confirms-the-invasion-of-georgia-was-preplanned/ |title=Putin Confirms the Invasion of Georgia Was Preplanned |first=Pavel |last=Felgenhauer |date=9 August 2012 |publisher=Eurasia Daily Monitor |volume=9 |issue=152 |agency=Jamestown Foundation}}</ref>
Miliband's statement was widely publicized by Russian media as a British proposal to change the Russian constitution.<ref>, August 29, 2007</ref><ref>, July 17, 2007</ref><ref name="john-lennon-revolution">, August 17, 2007</ref> According to ], 62% of Russians are against changing the Constitution in this respect.<ref>{{dead link|date=December 2007}}, Rbc.ru, August 21, 2007</ref> The British Ambassador in Moscow Tony Brenton said that the UK is not asking Russia to break its Constitution, but rather interpret it in such a way that would make Lugovoi's extradition possible.<ref>, Gorod.lv, July 23, 2007</ref> Putin, in response, advised British officials to "fix their heads" rather than propose changing the Russian constitution<ref>, July 24, 2007, In Russian</ref><ref name="john-lennon-revolution"/> and said that the British proposals were "a relic of a colonial-era mindset".<ref>, July 24, 2007, In English</ref>


It was during this premiership that the ] occurred, and Putin controlled the ] chessboard, according to ], who was then an advisor to the CEO of the Ukrainian ] utility. Putin observed at a German trade show in 2010 that if his hosts did not want Russia's natural gas nor nuclear power they could always heat with wood, and for that they would need to log ].<ref name=dwdgp/>
When Litvinenko was dying from radiation poisoning, he allegedly accused Putin of directing the assassination in a statement which was released shortly after his death by his friend ].<ref>, BBC News, November 24, 2006</ref> Critics have doubted that Litvinenko is the true author of the released statement.<ref>, ], November 27, 2006</ref><ref>, Townhall.com, November 27, 2006</ref> When asked about the Litvinenko accusations, Putin said that a statement released after death of its author "naturally deserves no comment".<ref name="ru-eu-summit-November-2006-conf">, Helsinki, Finland, November 24, 2006</ref>


At the ] Congress in Moscow on 24 September 2011, Medvedev officially proposed that Putin stand for the presidency in 2012, an offer Putin accepted. Given United Russia's near-total dominance of Russian politics, many observers believed that Putin was assured of a third term. The move was expected to see Medvedev stand on the United Russia ticket in the parliamentary elections in December, with a goal of becoming prime minister at the end of his presidential term.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15045816 |title = Russia's Putin set to return as president in 2012 |date = 24 September 2011 |access-date = 24 September 2011 |work = BBC News |archive-date = 3 December 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171203082332/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15045816 |url-status = live }}</ref>
The expulsions were seen as "the biggest rift since the countries expelled each other's diplomats in 1996 after a spying dispute." In response to the situation, Putin stated "I think we will overcome this mini-crisis. Russian-British relations will develop normally. On both the Russian side and the British side, we are interested in the development of those relations." Despite this, British Ambassador ] was told by the Russian Foreign Ministry that UK diplomats would be given 10 days before they were expelled in response. The Russian government also announced that it would suspend issuing visas to UK officials and froze cooperation on counterterrorism in response to Britain suspending contacts with their Federal Security Service.<ref name="expul"/>


After the ] on 4 December 2011, tens of thousands of Russians engaged in ] against alleged electoral fraud, the largest protests in Putin's time. Protesters criticized Putin and ] and demanded annulment of the election results.<ref name=GuardLive> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114235300/http://www.guardian.co.uk/global/2011/dec/10/russia-elections-putin-protest |date=14 January 2013 }}, ''The Guardian''. Retrieved 10 December 2011.</ref> Those protests sparked the fear of a ] in society.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213211018/http://www.politonline.ru/comments/10432.html |date=13 December 2021 }} politonline.ru {{in lang|ru}}</ref> Putin allegedly organized a number of paramilitary groups loyal to himself and to the United Russia party in the period between 2005 and 2012.<ref>{{Citation |last = Frum |first = David |title = What Putin Wants |journal = The Atlantic |volume = 313 |issue = 5 |pages = 46–48 |date = June 2014 }}</ref>
Alexander Shokhin, president of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs warned that British investors in Russia will "face greater scrutiny from tax and regulatory authorities. They could also lose out in government tenders". Some see the crisis as originating with Britain's decision to grant Putin's former patron, Russian billionaire ], political asylum in 2003. Earlier in 2007, Berezovsky had called for the overthrow of Putin.<ref name="expul"/>


=== 2012–2018: Third presidential term ===
]
{{See also|Vladimir Putin 2012 presidential campaign}}
], June 2007.]]
] is believed to be one of the closest advisors to Putin.]]
On 10 December, 2007, Russia ordered the ] to halt work at its regional offices in what was seen as the latest round of a dispute over the murder of Alexander Litvinenko; Britain said Russia's move was illegal.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Russia suspends British Council regional offices
| publisher = ]
| date= December 10, ]
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL1288433020071212?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&rpc=22&sp=true
| accessdate = 2007-12-12}}</ref>


Shortly after Medvedev took office in 2008, presidential terms were extended from four to six years, effective with the 2012 election.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/12/30/russia.presidential.term.extension/ |date=22 December 2008 |last=Sefanov |first=Mike |title=Russian presidential term extended to 6 years |newspaper=] |access-date=2 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402131051/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/12/30/russia.presidential.term.extension/ |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Following the Peace Mission 2007 military exercises jointly conducted by the ] member states, Putin announced on August 17, 2007 the resumption on a permanent basis of long-distance patrol flights of Russia's strategic bombers that were suspended in 1992.<ref name="heavy-fighters-statement">, August 17, 2007, Chelyabinsk Region</ref><ref name="rian-heavy-bombers">, August 17, 2007, RIA Novosti, Russia</ref> US State Department spokesman ] was quoted as saying in response that "if Russia feels as though they want to take some of these old aircraft out of mothballs and get them flying again, that's their decision."<ref name="rian-heavy-bombers"/> The announcement made during the SCO summit in the light of joint Russian-Chinese military exercises, first-ever in history to be held on Russian territory,<ref name="km-sco-joint-exercises">, August 8, 2007, KM.ru</ref> makes some believe that Putin is inclined to set up an anti-] bloc or the Asian version of ].<ref>, August 20, 2007, "Chas", Latvia</ref> When presented with the suggestion that "Western observers are already likening the SCO to a military organisation that would stand in opposition to NATO", Putin answered that "this kind of comparison is inappropriate in both form and substance".<ref name="heavy-fighters-statement"/> Russian Chief of the General Staff ] was quoted as saying that "there should be no talk of creating a military or political alliance or union of any kind, because this would contradict the founding principles of SCO".<ref name="km-sco-joint-exercises"/>


On 24 September 2011, while speaking at the ] party congress, Medvedev announced that he would recommend the party nominate Putin as its presidential candidate. He also revealed that the two men had long ago cut a deal to allow Putin to run for president in 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Vladimir Putin on course to be Russia's next president as Dmitry Medvedev steps aside |first = Andrew |last = Osborn |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/8786314/Vladimir-Putin-on-course-to-be-Russias-next-president-as-Dmitry-Medvedev-steps-aside.html |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/8786314/Vladimir-Putin-on-course-to-be-Russias-next-president-as-Dmitry-Medvedev-steps-aside.html |archive-date = 10 January 2022 |url-access = subscription |url-status = live |newspaper = ] |date = 24 September 2011 |access-date = 25 September 2011 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> This switch was termed by many in the media as "Rokirovka", the Russian term for the chess move "]".<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Shuster |first = Simon |date = 3 March 2012 |title = Will Putin's Election Victory in Russia Be Greeted with Protests? |magazine = ] |url = http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2108254,00.html |access-date = 15 December 2020 |issn = 0040-781X |archive-date = 24 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220224131945/http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2108254,00.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
The resumption of long-distance flights of Russia's strategic bombers was followed by the announcement by Russian Defense Minister ] during his meeting with Putin on December 5, 2007, that 11 ships, including the aircraft carrier ], would take part in the first major navy sortie into the Mediterranean since Soviet times.<ref>, December 5, 2007, Kremlin.ru</ref> The sortie was to be backed up by 47 aircraft, including strategic bombers.<ref> ] Dec 5, 2007.</ref> According to Serdyukov, this is an effort to resume regular Russian naval patrols on the world's oceans,<ref>{{dead link|date=December 2007}} ] Dec 5, 2007.</ref> the view that is also supported by Russian media.<ref> Vzglyad.ru (]) Dec 5, 2007.</ref> The military analyst from ] ] believes that the accident-prone ''Kuznetsov'' is scarcely seaworthy and is more of a menace to her crew than any putative enemy<ref> ] № 95 Dec 13, 2007.</ref>.


On 4 March 2012, Putin won the ] in the first round, with 63.6% of the vote, despite widespread accusations of vote-rigging.<ref name="elections-history">{{#invoke:cite news||date = 9 March 2012 |title = История президентских выборов в России |trans-title = History of the presidential elections in Russia |url = http://www.ria.ru/vybor2012_infographics/20120309/590825026.html |access-date = 25 November 2015 |agency = ] |language = ru |archive-date = 28 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220228204135/https://ria.ru/20120309/590825026.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/919928.stm |work = BBC News |title = Putin won 'rigged elections' |date = 11 September 2000 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 26 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165251/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/919928.stm |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||script-title = ru:Выборы Президента Российской Федерации 2012 |url = http://www.vybory.izbirkom.ru/region/region/izbirkom?action=show&root=1&tvd=100100031793509&vrn=100100031793505&region=0&global=1&sub_region=0&prver=0&pronetvd=null&vibid=100100031793509&type=226 |website = izbirkom.ru |publisher = Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation |access-date = 10 June 2015 |language = ru |archive-date = 9 March 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150309013304/http://www.vybory.izbirkom.ru/region/region/izbirkom?action=show&root=1&tvd=100100031793509&vrn=100100031793505&region=0&global=1&sub_region=0&prver=0&pronetvd=null&vibid=100100031793509&type=226 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Opposition groups accused Putin and the United Russia party of fraud.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/mar/05/russia-putin-voter-fraud-statistics |title = Russian election: does the data suggest Putin won through fraud? |author = James Ball |work = The Guardian |access-date = 9 April 2016 |author-link = James Ball (journalist) |archive-date = 24 January 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220124001304/https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/mar/05/russia-putin-voter-fraud-statistics |url-status = live }}</ref> While efforts to make the elections transparent were publicized, including the usage of ]s in polling stations, the vote was criticized by the Russian opposition and by international observers from the ] for procedural irregularities.<ref name="OSCE">{{#invoke:cite web||title = Russia's presidential election marked by unequal campaign conditions, active citizens' engagement, international observers say |url = http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/88661 |publisher = ] |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 1 August 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140801023330/http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/88661 |url-status = live }}</ref>
In September 2007, Putin visited Indonesia and in doing so became the first Russian leader to visit the country in more than 50 years.<ref></ref> In the same month, Putin also attended the ] meeting held in ], ] where he met with Australian Prime Minister ] and signed an uranium trade deal. This was the first visit of a Russian president to Australia.


Anti-Putin protests took place during and directly after the presidential campaign. The most notorious protest was the ] performance on 21 February, and subsequent trial.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/aug/17/pussy-riot-sentenced-prison-putin |work = The Guardian |first = Miriam |last = Elder |title = Pussy Riot sentenced to two years in prison colony over anti-Putin protest |date = 17 August 2012 |location = London |access-date = 18 December 2016 |archive-date = 1 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220301143636/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/aug/17/pussy-riot-sentenced-prison-putin |url-status = live }}</ref> An estimated 8,000–20,000 protesters gathered in Moscow on 6 May,<ref name=vz-provocation> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810225000/http://vz.ru/politics/2012/5/6/577272.html |date=10 August 2014 }} vz.ru</ref><ref name="Russian police battle anti-Putin protesters">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-protests-idUSBRE8440CK20120506 |title = Russian police battle anti-Putin protesters |work = Reuters |access-date = 7 May 2012 |date = 6 May 2012 |archive-date = 4 November 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211104134018/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-protests-idUSBRE8440CK20120506 |url-status = live }}</ref> when eighty people were injured in confrontations with police,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://lenta.ru/news/2012/05/10/more/ |title = СК пересчитал пострадавших полицейских во время "Марша миллионов" |website = Lenta.ru |access-date = 25 November 2015 |archive-date = 20 March 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140320101533/http://lenta.ru/news/2012/05/10/more |url-status = live }}</ref> and 450 were arrested, with another 120 arrests taking place the following day.<ref name="Inauguration protests">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/vladimir-putin/9250729/Vladimir-Putin-inauguration-shows-how-popularity-has-crumbled.html |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/vladimir-putin/9250729/Vladimir-Putin-inauguration-shows-how-popularity-has-crumbled.html |archive-date = 10 January 2022 |url-access = subscription |url-status = live |title = Vladimir Putin inauguration shows how popularity has crumbled |work = The Daily Telegraph |access-date = 7 May 2012 |location = London |first = Tom |last = Parfitt |date = 7 May 2012 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> A counter-protest of Putin supporters occurred which culminated in a gathering of an estimated 130,000 supporters at the ], Russia's largest stadium.<ref>{{cite book |last = Ross |first = Cameron |title = Systemic and Non-Systemic Opposition in the Russian Federation: Civil Society Awakens? |date = 2016 |publisher = Routledge |isbn = 978-1-317-04723-0 |page = 46 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=M0mrCwAAQBAJ |access-date = 31 March 2016 |archive-date = 23 March 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230323052158/https://books.google.com/books?id=M0mrCwAAQBAJ |url-status = live }}</ref> Some of the attendees stated that they had been paid to come, were forced to come by their employers, or were misled into believing that they were going to attend a folk festival instead.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin tells stadium rally 'battle' is on for Russia |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17136644 |work = BBC News |date = 23 February 2012 |access-date = 22 June 2018 |archive-date = 28 April 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140428152446/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17136644 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Resolute Putin Faces a Russia That's Changed |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/24/world/europe/a-resolute-putin-faces-a-changing-russia.html |work = The New York Times |date = 23 February 2012 |access-date = 20 February 2017 |archive-date = 29 August 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210829185126/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/24/world/europe/a-resolute-putin-faces-a-changing-russia.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin, Addressing Rally, Casts Himself as Unifier |url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204778604577241272571508352 |work = The Wall Street Journal |date = 24 February 2012 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 29 August 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210829172003/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204778604577241272571508352 |url-status = live }}</ref> The rally is considered to be the largest in support of Putin to date.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Pro-Putin rally draws tens of thousands |url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2012/02/201222310314419393.html |publisher = Al Jazeera |date = 23 February 2012 |access-date = 31 March 2016 |archive-date = 5 June 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200605140406/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2012/02/201222310314419393.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
On October 16, 2007 Putin visited ], ] to participate in the Second Caspian Summit,<ref name="rbc-iran-tehran">{{dead link|date=December 2007}}, October 16, 2007, Rbc.ru</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Putin's warning to the U.S. | publisher = Reuters | date = October 16, 2007 | url = http://www.webcastr.com/videos/news-politics/putins-warning-to-the-u.s.html}}</ref> where he met with Iranian leader ]<ref>, October 16, 2007, Kremlin.ru</ref>. Other participants were leaders of ], ], and ].<ref>, October 15-16, 2007, Kremlin.ru</ref> This is the first visit of a Russian leader to Iran since ]'s participation in the ] in 1943.<ref>, October 16, 2007, The Times (In Russian)</ref><ref>, October 16, 2007, The Times (In English)</ref> At a press conference after the summit Putin said that "all our (Caspian) states have the right to develop their peaceful nuclear programmes without any restrictions".<ref>, October 16, 2007, Tehran, Kremlin.ru</ref> During the summit it was also agreed that its participants, under no circumstances, would let any third-party state use their territory as a base for aggression or military action against any other participant.<ref name="rbc-iran-tehran"/>


] during the ] in Ireland, 17 June 2013]]
], President of Serbia, in ].]]


Putin's presidency was ] in the ] on 7 May 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/may/07/vladimir-putin-inaugurated-russian-president |title = Vladimir Putin inaugurated as Russian president amid Moscow protests |date = 7 May 2012 |website = The Guardian |access-date = 20 January 2014 |archive-date = 2 June 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130602074715/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/07/vladimir-putin-inaugurated-russian-president |url-status = live }}</ref> On his first day as president, Putin issued 14 ], which are sometimes called the "May Decrees" by the media, including a lengthy one stating wide-ranging goals for the ]. Other decrees concerned ], housing, skilled labor training, ], the ], inter-ethnic relations, and other policy areas dealt with in Putin's program articles issued during the presidential campaign.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_05_07/74079067/ |title = Putin decrees EU closeness policy |publisher = Voice of Russia, English.ruvr.ru |date = 7 May 2012 |access-date = 22 June 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130513181423/http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_05_07/74079067/ |archive-date = 13 May 2013 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
On ], ], at a press conference following the 20th Russia-EU Summit in ], Putin proposed creating a Russian-European Institute for Freedom and Democracy headquartered either in Brussels or in one of the European capitals, and added that "we are ready to supply funds for financing it, just as Europe covers the costs of projects in Russia".<ref>, October 26, 2007, Mafra, Portugal, Kremlin.ru</ref> This newly proposed institution is expected to monitor human rights violations in Europe and contribute to development of European democracy.<ref>, October 29, 2007, Izvestia.ru</ref>


In 2012 and 2013, Putin and the United Russia party backed stricter legislation against the ] community, in ], ], and ]; a law called the ], that is against "homosexual propaganda" (which prohibits such symbols as the ],<ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/two-arrested-in-st-petersburg-for-violating-city-s-new-anti-gay-law-a-826199.html |title = Discrimination in Russia: Arrests for Violation of St. Petersburg Anti-Gay Law |date = 6 April 2012 |magazine = Der Spiegel |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 26 June 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190626224239/https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/two-arrested-in-st-petersburg-for-violating-city-s-new-anti-gay-law-a-826199.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-gay-idUSBRE90O0QT20130125 |title = "Russian parliament backs ban on "gay propaganda", Reuters, 25 January 2013 |work = Reuters |date = 25 January 2013 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 4 November 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211104132115/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-gay-idUSBRE90O0QT20130125 |url-status = live }}</ref> as well as published works containing homosexual content) was adopted by the ] in June 2013.<ref name="BBC-LGBT">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/russian/russia/2013/06/130611_duma_gay_propaganda.shtml?print=1 |script-title = ru:Госдума приняла закон о 'нетрадиционных отношениях' |trans-title = The State Duma has adopted a law on 'non-traditional relationships' |language = ru |work = BBC Russia |date = 11 June 2013 |access-date = 11 June 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140301045821/http://www.bbc.co.uk/russian/russia/2013/06/130611_duma_gay_propaganda.shtml?print=1 |archive-date = 1 March 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="RBC-LGBT">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/20130611172814.shtml?print |title = ГД приняла закон об усилении наказания за пропаганду гомосексуализма среди подростков |publisher = ] |date = 11 June 2013 |access-date = 11 June 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131003040126/http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/20130611172814.shtml?print |url-status = dead |archive-date = 3 October 2013 }}</ref> Responding to international concerns about Russia's legislation, Putin asked critics to note that the law was a "ban on the propaganda of ] and homosexuality" and he stated that homosexual visitors to the ] should "leave the children in peace" but denied there was any "professional, career or social discrimination" against homosexuals in Russia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/vladimir-putin-i-know-some-people-who-are-gay-were-on-friendly-terms-9070363.html |title = Vladimir Putin: 'I know some people who are gay, we're on friendly terms' |work = ] |first = Tomas |last = Jivanda |date = 19 January 2014 |access-date = 8 February 2014 |location = London |archive-date = 13 February 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140213004803/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/vladimir-putin-i-know-some-people-who-are-gay-were-on-friendly-terms-9070363.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
Vladimir Putin strongly opposes secession of ] from ]. He called any support for this act "immoral" and "illegal".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/14/content_7604675.htm|title=Putin: supports for Kosovo unilateral independence "immoral, illegal"|publisher=Xinhua|date=2008-02-14|accessdate=2008-02-25}}</ref> He described Kosovo's declaration of independence a 'terrible precedent' that will come back to hit the West 'in the face'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=44275&sectionid=351020602|title=Putin: Kosovo case terrible precedent |publisher=Press TV|date=2008-02-22|accessdate=2008-02-25}}</ref> He stated that Kosovo precedent will de facto destroy the whole system of international relations, developed not over decades, but over centuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-239/0802233413164912.htm|title=EU's Solana rejects Putin's criticism over Kosovo's independence |publisher=IRNA|date=2008-02-23|accessdate=2008-02-25}}</ref>


In June 2013, Putin attended a televised rally of the ] where he was elected head of the movement,<ref name="Putleader">, ] (13 June 2013) {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915102802/http://www.interfax.co.uk/ukraine-news/putin-becomes-popular-front-for-russia-leader-2/ |date=15 September 2013}}</ref> which was set up in 2011.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/echo-of-soviet-era-in-putins-bid-for-votes/story-e6frg6so-1226076653930 |title = Echo of Soviet era in Putin's bid for votes |work = ] |date = 17 June 2011 |access-date = 13 June 2013 |archive-date = 17 January 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150117154252/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/echo-of-soviet-era-in-putins-bid-for-votes/story-e6frg6so-1226076653930 |url-status = live }}</ref> According to journalist ], the movement is intended to "reconnect the Kremlin to the Russian people" and one day, if necessary, replace the increasingly unpopular ] party that currently backs Putin.<ref name="People's Front">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22879644 |title = Putin inaugurates new movement amid fresh protests |publisher = BBC |access-date = 12 June 2013 |date = 12 June 2013 |archive-date = 22 August 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210822142147/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22879644 |url-status = live }}</ref>
], reflecting on what underlay the fundamental rift between Putin's Russia and the EU wrote in February 2008: " Europe's nightmares are the 1930s; Russia's nightmares are the 1990s. Europe sees the answer to its problems in transcending the nation-state and power. For Russians, the solution is in restoring them. So what happens when a 21st-century entity faces the challenge of a 19th-century power? The contours of the conflict are already emerging -- in diplomatic stand-offs over Kosovo, Ukraine, Georgia and Estonia; in conflicts over gas and oil pipelines; in nasty diplomatic exchanges between Russia and Britain; and in a return to Russian military exercises of a kind not seen since the Cold War. Europeans are apprehensive, with good reason."<ref> By ] ] February 6, 2008.</ref>


==== Annexation of Crimea ====
=== Public opinion (criticism and support) ===
{{Main|Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation}}
{{Further|Russia–Ukraine relations|Russo-Ukrainian War|War in Donbas (2014–2022)|Normandy Format|Minsk agreements}}
]
] talks with Ukrainian president ], German chancellor ] and French president ], 17 October 2014.]]


In February 2014, Russia made several military incursions into Ukrainian territory. After the ] protests and the fall of Ukrainian president ], ] took control of strategic positions and infrastructure within the Ukrainian territory of Crimea. Russia then ] and ] after a ] in which, according to official results, Crimeans voted to join the Russian Federation.<ref name="Maskarovka">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b050674y |title = BBC Radio 4 – Analysis, Maskirovka: Deception Russian-Style |publisher = BBC |access-date = 11 April 2015 |archive-date = 24 November 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181124183459/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b050674y |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="washingtonpost">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/putin-changes-course-admits-russian-troops-were-in-crimea-before-vote/2014/04/17/b3300a54-c617-11e3-bf7a-be01a9b69cf1_story.html |title = Putin's remarks raise fears of future moves against Ukraine |newspaper = The Washington Post |access-date = 14 September 2014 |first = Kathy |last = Lally |date = 17 April 2014 |archive-date = 20 November 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120120204/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/putin-changes-course-admits-russian-troops-were-in-crimea-before-vote/2014/04/17/b3300a54-c617-11e3-bf7a-be01a9b69cf1_story.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="KremlinRU01">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20796 |title = President of Russia |website = eng.kremlin.ru |date = 1 June 2010 |access-date = 20 April 2014 |archive-date = 16 April 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150416141220/http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20796 |url-status = live }}</ref>
According to public opinion surveys conducted by ], Putin's approval rating was 81% in June 2007, and the highest of any leader in the world.<ref></ref> His popularity rose from 31% in August 1999 to 80% in November 1999 and since then it has never fallen below 65%.<ref></ref> Observers see Putin's high approval ratings as a consequence of higher living standards that improved during his rule and Russia's reassertion of itself on the world scene,<ref>, October 6, 2007, The Washington Post</ref><ref>, Oprosy.info, March 27, 2007</ref><ref>, October 10, 2007, RBC Daily</ref>. Most Russians are also deeply disillusioned with the West after all the hardships of 90s,<ref name="norman_stone_timesonline"> by ], December 4, 2007, The Times</ref><ref name="disillusioned"/> and they no longer trust pro-western politicians associated with Yeltsin that were removed from the political scene under Putin's leadership.<ref name="disillusioned">, May 27, 2007, The Sunday Times</ref> Critics of Putin are seldom seen on two major national TV channels, ] and ]. They do get some exposure through independent media, which include the national ] channel <ref></ref>, the ] radio station <ref></ref> and a few newspapers such as ] and ].<ref></ref> ] delivers selected translations into Russian from foreign and Western media online on a daily basis and has a daily audience of 70000-90000 visitors, most of them Russians.<ref>, November 30, 2007, InoSMI.ru</ref>
Subsequently, demonstrations against Ukrainian Rada legislative actions by pro-Russian groups in the ] area of Ukraine escalated into the ] between the Ukrainian government and the Russia-backed separatist forces of the self-declared ] and ]s. In August 2014,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 8 April 2015 |url = http://www.unian.info/war/1065276-debaltseve-pocket-in-donbas-was-created-by-russian-troops-yashin.html |title = Debaltseve pocket in Donbas was created mainly by Russian troops – Yashin |website = unian.info |access-date = 15 October 2020 |archive-date = 3 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220203231935/https://www.unian.info/war/1065276-debaltseve-pocket-in-donbas-was-created-by-russian-troops-yashin.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Russian military vehicles crossed the border in several locations of Donetsk Oblast.<ref name="Time0x01">{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://time.com/3142580/ukrain-russia-luhansk-donetsk-rebels-reinforcements/ |agency = Time |author = Per Liljas |title = Rebels in Besieged Ukrainian City Reportedly Being Reinforced |date = 19 August 2014 |access-date = 28 August 2014 |magazine = Time |archive-date = 21 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220221225703/https://time.com/3142580/ukrain-russia-luhansk-donetsk-rebels-reinforcements/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="how the war transformed">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/how-the-war-zone-transformed-between-june-16-and-sept-19-infographic-365795.html |title = How the war zone transformed between June 16 and Sept. 19 |website = Kyiv Post |date = 25 September 2014 |access-date = 21 March 2015 |archive-date = 9 September 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909210949/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/how-the-war-zone-transformed-between-june-16-and-sept-19-infographic-365795.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="tanks white circles">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-tanks-exclusive-idUSKCN0IC1GE20141023 |title = Exclusive: Charred tanks in Ukraine point to Russian involvement |work = Reuters |date = 23 October 2014 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 1 March 2022 |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-tanks-exclusive-idUSKCN0IC1GE20141023 |url-status = live }}</ref> The incursion by the Russian military was seen by Ukrainian authorities as responsible for the defeat of Ukrainian forces in early September.<ref name="ch40x02">Channel 4 News, 2 September 2014 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903200121/http://www.channel4.com/news/tensions-still-high-in-ukraine-video |date=3 September 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/ukraine-ceasefire-frontline-counting-cost-war-uneasy-calm |title = Ukraine ceasefire leaves frontline counting cost of war in uneasy calm |author = Luke Harding |website = The Guardian |date = 17 December 2014 |access-date = 29 December 2014 |archive-date = 9 November 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211109023811/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/ukraine-ceasefire-frontline-counting-cost-war-uneasy-calm |url-status = live }}</ref>


In October 2014, ] in Sochi at the ]. In November 2014, the Ukrainian military reported intensive movement of troops and equipment from Russia into the separatist-controlled parts of eastern Ukraine.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/kiev-claims-intensive-movements-troops-crossing-russia-123248755.html |title = Kiev claims 'intensive' movements of troops crossing from Russia |date = 2 November 2014 |agency = Agence France-Presse |access-date = 13 November 2014 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141114002830/https://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/kiev-claims-intensive-movements-troops-crossing-russia-123248755.html |archive-date = 14 November 2014 }}</ref> The Associated Press reported 80 unmarked military vehicles on the move in rebel-controlled areas.<ref name="various reuters">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKBN0IT0AF20141109 |title = Worst east Ukraine shelling for month |date = 9 November 2014 |work = Reuters |access-date = 10 November 2014 |archive-date = 21 January 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220121133558/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKBN0IT0AF20141109 |url-status = live }}</ref> An ] Special Monitoring Mission observed convoys of heavy weapons and tanks in ]-controlled territory without insignia.<ref name="osce.org">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/126483 |title = Spot report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), 8 November 2014 |publisher = osce.org |date = 8 November 2014 |access-date = 9 November 2014 |archive-date = 21 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220221225703/https://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/126483 |url-status = live }}</ref> OSCE monitors further stated that they observed vehicles transporting ammunition and soldiers' ] crossing the Russian-Ukrainian border under the guise of ] convoys.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30039004 |title = Ukraine Crisis: Russian 'Cargo 200' Crossed Border&nbsp;– OSCE |publisher = BBC |date = 13 November 2014 |access-date = 13 November 2014 |archive-date = 25 December 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211225120728/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30039004 |url-status = live }}</ref>
Despite widespread public support in Russia, Putin has also been the target of much criticism. Several reforms made under Putin’s presidency have been criticized by some privately owned Russian media outlets and many Western commentators as anti-democratic.<ref> </ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> At the same time, a joint poll by ''World Public Opinion'' in the U. S. and NGO in Russia around June-July 2006 stated that "neither the Russian nor the American publics are convinced Russia is headed in an anti-democratic direction" and "Russians generally support Putin’s concentration of political power and strongly support the re-nationalization of Russia’s oil and gas industry." Russians generally support political course of Putin and his team.<ref name="wpo_org_g8"> - World Public Opinion.org</ref>


As of early August 2015, the OSCE observed over 21 such vehicles marked with the Russian military code for soldiers killed in action.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||script-title = ru:ОБСЕ заявляет, что на ростовских КПП были машины с надписью "груз 200" |url = http://ria.ru/world/20150806/1166231249.html |agency = RIA Novosti |date = 6 August 2015 |access-date = 7 August 2015 |language = ru |archive-date = 30 June 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180630025038/https://ria.ru/world/20150806/1166231249.html |url-status = live }}</ref> According to '']'', Russia has tried to intimidate and silence human-rights workers discussing Russian soldiers' deaths in the conflict.<ref name="Moscow Times">{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/moscow-stifles-dissent-as-russian-soldiers-return-from-ukraine-in-coffins/506979.html |title = Moscow Stifles Dissent as Soldiers Return From Ukraine in Coffins |work = ] |date = 12 September 2014 |agency = Reuters |access-date = 9 November 2014 |archive-date = 5 May 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150505162628/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/moscow-stifles-dissent-as-russian-soldiers-return-from-ukraine-in-coffins/506979.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The OSCE repeatedly reported that its observers were denied access to the areas controlled by "combined Russian-separatist forces".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Response to Special Representative in Ukraine Ambassador Martin Sajdik and OSCE Special Monitoring Mission Chief Monitor Ertugrul Apakan |url = http://osce.usmission.gov/nov_4_15_ukraine_sajdik_apakan.html |website = U.S. Mission to the OSCE |date = 4 November 2015 |access-date = 6 November 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222145845/http://osce.usmission.gov/nov_4_15_ukraine_sajdik_apakan.html |archive-date = 22 December 2015 }}</ref>
In 2006 and 2007 "]es" were organized by the opposition group ],<ref></ref> led by former chess champion ] and national-bolshevist leader ]. Demonstrations in several Russian cities were met by police action, which included interfering with the travel of the protesters and the arrests of as many as 150 people.<ref></ref> The Dissenters' Marches have received little support among the Russian general public, according to popular polls. <ref>, Regnum.ru, July 3, 2007</ref> The Dissenters' March in Samara held in May 2007 during the Russia-EU summit attracted more journalists providing coverage of the event than actual participants.<ref>, RIA News Agency, May 18, 2007</ref> When asked in what way the Dissenters' Marches bother him, Putin answered that such marches "shall not prevent other citizens from living a normal life".<ref>, Samara, May 18, 2007</ref> During the Dissenters' March in St. Petersburg on March 3, 2007, the protesters blocked automobile traffic on Nevsky Prospect, the central street of the city, much to the disturbance of local drivers.<ref>, Izvestia, March 5, 2007</ref><ref name="matvienko">, RG.ru, March 5, 2007</ref> The Governor of St. Petersburg, Valentina Matvienko, commented on the event that "it is important to give everyone the opportunity to criticize the authorities, but this should be done in a civilized fashion".<ref name="matvienko"/> When asked about Kasparov's arrest, Putin replied that during his arrest Kasparov was speaking English rather than Russian, and suggested that he was targeting a Western audience rather than his own people.<ref name="time_manazine_dec_19_2007_en">, published on December 19, 2007, Kremlin.ru (in English)</ref><ref name="time_manazine_dec_19_2007_ru">, published on December 19, 2007, Kremlin.ru (in Russian)</ref> Putin has said that some domestic critics are being funded and supported by foreign enemies who would prefer to see a weak Russia.<ref></ref> In his speech at the ] meeting in ]: "Those who oppose us don't want us to realize our plan.... They need a weak, sick state! They need a disorganized and disoriented society, a divided society, so that they can do their deeds behind its back and eat cake on our tab."<ref></ref>.


In October 2015, '']'' reported that Russia had redeployed some of its elite units from Ukraine to Syria in recent weeks to support Syrian president ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/10/24/russia-said-to-redeploy-special-ops-forces-from-ukraine-to-syria/ |title = Russia said to redeploy special-ops forces from Ukraine to Syria |publisher = ] |date = 24 October 2015 |access-date = 24 October 2015 |quote = "The special forces were pulled out of Ukraine and sent to Syria," a Russian Ministry of Defense official said, adding that they had been serving in territories in eastern Ukraine held by pro-Russia rebels. The official described them as "akin to a Delta Force," the U.S. Army's elite counterterrorism unit. |archive-date = 24 October 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151024085128/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/10/24/russia-said-to-redeploy-special-ops-forces-from-ukraine-to-syria/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In December 2015, Putin admitted that Russian military intelligence officers were operating in Ukraine.<ref name="GN151217">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/17/vladimir-putin-admits-russian-military-presence-ukraine |title = Putin admits Russian military presence in Ukraine for first time |first = Shaun |last = Walker |work = The Guardian |date = 17 December 2015 |access-date = 12 February 2017 |archive-date = 5 April 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200405143525/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/17/vladimir-putin-admits-russian-military-presence-ukraine |url-status = live }}</ref>
In early 2005, a youth organization called '']'' (meaning 'Ours' or 'Our Own People') was created in Russia, which positions itself as a democratic, anti- t organization. Its creation was encouraged by some of the most senior figures in the Administration of the President,<ref name="Hammershlag">{{cite news|title=Putin's children|author=Michael Hammerschlag|date=July 5, 2007|url= http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/05/opinion/edhammer.php|publisher=International Herald Tribune}}</ref> and by 2007 it grew to some 120,000 members (between the ages of 17 and 25). One of Nashi's major stated aims was to prevent a repeat of the 2004 ] during the Russian elections: as its leader ] said, "the enemies must not perform unconstitutional takeovers".<ref>, Gzt. Ru, ], ]</ref> Kremlin adviser, Sergei Markov said about the activists of Nashi: "They want Russia to be a modern, strong and free country... Their ideology is clear — it is modernization of the country and preservation of its sovereignty with that."<ref>, ], ]</ref>


''The Moscow Times'' quoted pro-Russian academic ] as saying that many members of the international community assumed that Putin's annexation of Crimea had initiated a completely new type of Russian foreign policy<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Rutland |first = Peter |date = 18 May 2014 |title = A Paradigm Shift in Russia's Foreign Policy |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2014/05/18/a-paradigm-shift-in-russias-foreign-policy-a35534 |access-date = 14 October 2020 |website = Moscow Times |archive-date = 4 November 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211104132945/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2014/05/18/a-paradigm-shift-in-russias-foreign-policy-a35534 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Zevelev |first = Igor |date = 27 April 2014 |title = Границы русского мира |trans-title = The Borders of the Russian World |url = https://globalaffairs.ru/articles/graniczy-russkogo-mira/ |access-date = 14 October 2020 |website = Россия в глобальной политике |language = ru |archive-date = 23 January 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220123222954/https://globalaffairs.ru/articles/graniczy-russkogo-mira/ |url-status = live }}</ref> and that his foreign policy had shifted "from state-driven foreign policy" to taking an offensive stance to recreate the Soviet Union. In July 2015, he opined that this policy shift could be understood as Putin trying to defend nations in Russia's sphere of influence from "encroaching western power".<ref>{{Cite journal |last = Tsygankov |first = Andrei |date = 4 July 2015 |title = Vladimir Putin's last stand: the sources of Russia's Ukraine policy |journal = Post-Soviet Affairs |volume = 31 |issue = 4 |pages = 279–303 |doi = 10.1080/1060586x.2015.1005903 |s2cid = 154892438 |issn = 1060-586X }}</ref>
''Nashi'' has been referred to as "Putin Youth" and the "loyal youth brigade" in the Western media.<ref>, December 6, 2007, The Times</ref><ref>, December 6, 2007, San Diego Union Tribune</ref><ref>, September 2, 2007, The Sunday Times</ref><ref>, November 30, 2007, Radio Free Europe</ref><ref>, November 25, 2007, Telegraph</ref> Some Russian liberals refer to Nashi as "Putinjugend". The Boston Globe said that "movement's brownshirt tactics certain evoke shades of ], as does the emphasis on physical fitness, clean living, and procreation for the Motherland".<ref> By ] ] August 10, 2007.</ref> British and American journalists view the emergence of this and, more recently, other similar organisations, such as '']'' and ''Locals'', as one of the signs of Russia under Putin "sliding into m, with state control of the economy, media, politics and society becoming increasingly heavy-handed".<ref> By ] ] 29th July 2007.</ref><ref> by ] ] June 5, 2007.</ref><ref> by ] ] 24 July 2007.</ref> In July 2007 ] of ] wrote: "Russia has become, in the precise sense of the word, a t state. It does not matter here, as the Kremlin's apologists are so fond of pointing out, that Mr. Putin is wildly popular in Russia: Popularity is what competent despots get when they destroy independent media, stoke nationalistic fervor with military buildups and the cunning exploitation of the Church, and ride a wave of petrodollars to pay off the civil service and balance their budgets. Nor does it matter that Mr. Putin hasn't re-nationalized the "means of production" outright; corporatism was at the heart of Hitler's economic policy, too." <ref> By Bret Stephens ] July 17, 2007.</ref>


==== Intervention in Syria ====
Putin was ] ] for ]<ref> by ] ]</ref><ref> by ] ] Dec. 31, 2007.</ref>, given the title for his "extraordinary feat of leadership in taking a country that was in chaos and bringing it stability".<ref> Google News</ref> ''Time'' said that "TIME's Person of the Year is not and never has been an honor. It is not an endorsement. It is not a popularity contest. At its best, it is a clear-eyed recognition of the world as it is and of the most powerful individuals and forces shaping that world—for better or for worse". The choice provoked sarcasm from one of Russia's opposition leaders, Garry Kasparov,<ref> by ] ] December 22, 2007.</ref><ref> Russian translation of Kasparov's article in ''The Wall Street Journal''.</ref> who recalled that ] had been Time's Man of the Year in ] and an overwhelmingly negative reaction from the magazine's readership.<ref> Time's talkback.</ref>
{{Main|Russian intervention in the Syrian civil war|Russian involvement in the Syrian civil war}}
{{See also|Foreign involvement in the Syrian civil war|Russia–Syria relations}}
] in New York City to discuss Syria and ISIL, 29 September 2015.]]
] in 2017]]
On 30 September 2015, President Putin authorized Russian military intervention in the ], following a formal request by the Syrian government for military help against rebel and jihadist groups.<ref name="latimes">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-kremlin-oks-troops-20150930-story.html |title = Russia Launches Airstrikes in Syria Amid U.S. Concern About Targets |date = 30 September 2015 |access-date = 7 October 2015 |work = Los Angeles Times |author1 = Patrick J. McDonnell |author2 = W.J. Hennigan |author3 = Nabih Bulos |archive-date = 5 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220305052015/https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-kremlin-oks-troops-20150930-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref>


The Russian military activities consisted of air strikes, cruise missile strikes and the use of front line advisors and Russian special forces against militant groups opposed to the ], including the ], as well as ] (ISIL), ] (al-Qaeda in the Levant), ], ], and the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015/10/08/syrian-general-russian-strikes-helping-ground-offensive |title = Clashes between Syrian troops, insurgents intensify in Russian-backed offensive |date = 8 October 2015 |access-date = 10 October 2015 |work = U.S. News & World Report |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151009151540/http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015/10/08/syrian-general-russian-strikes-helping-ground-offensive |archive-date = 9 October 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syrian-army-general-says-new-ground-offensive-backed-by-russian-air-strikes-will-eliminate-a6686086.html |title = Syrian army general says new ground offensive backed by Russian air strikes will 'eliminate terrorists' |first = Lizzie |last = Dearden |date = 8 October 2015 |access-date = 10 October 2015 |work = The Independent |archive-date = 14 May 2022 |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syrian-army-general-says-new-ground-offensive-backed-by-russian-air-strikes-will-eliminate-a6686086.html |url-status = live }}</ref> After Putin's announcement on 14 March 2016 that the mission he had set for the Russian military in Syria had been "largely accomplished" and ordered the withdrawal of the "main part" of the Russian forces from Syria,<ref name="BBC 14 Mar 2016">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35807689 |title = Syria conflict: Russia's Putin orders 'main part' of forces out |work = ] |date = 14 March 2016 |access-date = 14 March 2016 |archive-date = 5 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220305093822/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35807689 |url-status = live }}</ref> Russian forces deployed in Syria continued to actively operate in support of the Syrian government.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://newsru.com/russia/18mar2016/sir.html |title = Новости NEWSru.com :: Генштаб ВС РФ объявил о новых авиаударах по террористам в Сирии |date = 18 March 2016 |access-date = 9 April 2016 |archive-date = 21 July 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210721144043/https://www.newsru.com/russia/18Mar2016/sir.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
On December 4, 2007, at ], ] credited Putin with having "pulled Russia out of chaos" and said he was "assured a place in history", "despite Gorbachev's acknowledgment that the news media have been suppressed and that election rules run counter to the democratic ideals he has promoted".<ref> By ] ] December 5, 2007.</ref> Nevertheless, on January 28, 2008, Gorbachev in his interview to ]<ref> M.&nbsp;Gorbachev's interview on The Gorbachev Foundation website.</ref> "sharply criticized the state of Russia’s electoral system and called for extensive reforms to a system that has secured power for President Vladimir V. Putin and the Kremlin’s inner circle."<ref> By C. J. Chivers ] January 29, 2008.</ref> Following Gorbachev's interview '']'''s editorial said: "No wonder that Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Union's last leader, felt moved to speak out. «Something wrong is going on with our elections», he told the Interfax agency. But it's not only elections: In fact, the system that Mr. Gorbachev took apart is being meticulously reconstructed."<ref> ] January 30, 2008.</ref>


==== Russia's interference in the 2016 US election ====
In its January, 2008, World Report ] wrote in the section devoted to Russia: "As parliamentary and presidential elections in late 2007 and early 2008 approached, the administration headed by President Vladimir Putin cracked down on civil society and freedom of assembly. Reconstruction in Chechnya did not mask grave human rights abuses including torture, abductions, and unlawful detentions. International criticism of Russia’s human rights record remains muted, with the European Union failing to challenge Russia on its human rights record in a consistent and sustained manner."<ref> ] website</ref> The organization called President Putin a "repressive" and "brutal" leader on par with the leaders of Zimbabwe and Pakistan.<ref> ] February 4, 2008. Issue 3834. Page 5.</ref>
{{Main|Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections|Timeline of Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections}}
He is also very popular as a gay icon in Russia.
{{See also|Russia–United States relations}}
In January 2017, a U.S. intelligence community assessment expressed high confidence that Putin personally ordered an influence campaign, initially to denigrate ] and to harm her electoral chances and potential presidency, then later developing "a clear preference" for ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Background to 'Assessing Russian Activities in Recent US Elections': The Analytic Process and Cyber Incident Attribution |date = 6 January 2016 |work = The New York Times |url = https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/06/us/politics/document-russia-hacking-report-intelligence-agencies.html |page = 11 |access-date = 8 January 2017 |url-access = subscription |quote = 'We assess with high confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the US presidential election, the consistent goals of which were to undermine public faith in the US democratic process, denigrate Secretary Clinton, and harm her electability and potential presidency. We further assess Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump.' |archive-date = 8 January 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170108171803/http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/06/us/politics/document-russia-hacking-report-intelligence-agencies.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Trump consistently denied any Russian interference in the U.S. election,<ref name="FactCheck_meddling">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.factcheck.org/2018/02/words-trump-russian-meddling/ |title = In His Own Words: Trump on Russian Meddling |last1 = Kiely |first1 = Eugene |date = 19 February 2018 |work = ] |last2 = Gore |first2 = D'Angelo |access-date = 6 April 2018 |archive-date = 3 July 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190703054816/https://www.factcheck.org/2018/02/words-trump-russian-meddling/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Politifact_Meddling">{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2018/feb/19/donald-trump/donald-trump-falsely-denies-he-denied-russian-medd/ |title = Donald Trump falsely says he never denied Russian meddling |last1 = Greenberg |first1 = Don |date = 19 February 2018 |work = ] |access-date = 6 April 2018 |archive-date = 3 July 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190703054442/https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2018/feb/19/donald-trump/donald-trump-falsely-denies-he-denied-russian-medd/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/us/politics/russia-hack-report.html |title = Putin Ordered 'Influence Campaign' Aimed at U.S. Election, Report Says |first = David E. |last = Sanger |date = 6 January 2017 |work = The New York Times |access-date = 21 June 2019 |archive-date = 28 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220228175134/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/us/politics/russia-hack-report.html |url-status = live }}</ref> as did Putin in December 2016,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Filipov |first1 = David |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/trump-syria-hacking-and-terrorism-in-play-as-russias-putin-meets-the-press/2016/12/23/28ead25a-c878-11e6-acda-59924caa2450_story.html |title = Putin to Democratic Party: You lost, get over it |newspaper = ] |date = 23 December 2016 |access-date = 21 July 2017 |quote = Don't be sore losers. That was how Putin answered a question Friday at his nationally televised annual news conference about whether Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election in favor of Donald Trump. The Democrats 'are losing on all fronts and looking elsewhere for things to blame,' he told the nearly 1,400 journalists packed into a Moscow convention hall for the nearly four-hour event. 'In my view, this, how shall I say it, degrades their own dignity. You have to know how to lose with dignity.' |archive-date = 26 December 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161226080522/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/trump-syria-hacking-and-terrorism-in-play-as-russias-putin-meets-the-press/2016/12/23/28ead25a-c878-11e6-acda-59924caa2450_story.html |url-status = live }}</ref> March 2017,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Walker |first = Shaun |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/30/vladimir-putin-denies-us-election-interference-trump |title = 'Read my lips – no': Putin denies Russian meddling in US presidential election |website = ] |date = 30 March 2017 |access-date = 21 July 2017 |quote = 'Read my lips{{snd}}no,' the Russian president answered when asked whether Russia had tried to influence the vote. He emphasized the denial by saying 'no' in English. |archive-date = 2 June 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210602211848/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/30/vladimir-putin-denies-us-election-interference-trump |url-status = live }}</ref> June 2017,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.latimes.com/politics/washington/la-na-essential-washington-updates-putin-russian-meddling-claims-lack-1496416198-htmlstory.html |title = Putin says claims of Russian meddling in U.S. election are 'just some kind of hysteria' |date = 2 June 2017 |website = Los Angeles Times |access-date = 20 February 2020 |archive-date = 28 March 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190328164705/https://www.latimes.com/politics/washington/la-na-essential-washington-updates-putin-russian-meddling-claims-lack-1496416198-htmlstory.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Fahrenthold |first = David A. |author-link = David Fahrenthold |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/putin-calls-election-meddling-charge-a-load-of-nonsense-in-megyn-kelly-interview/2017/06/04/3968c42c-497c-11e7-9669-250d0b15f83b_story.html |title = Putin calls U.S. election-meddling charge a 'load of nonsense' in Megyn Kelly interview |newspaper = ] |date = 4 June 2017 |access-date = 21 July 2017 |quote = 'There's a theory that Kennedy's assassination was arranged by the United States intelligence services. So, if this theory is correct{{snd}}and that can't be ruled out{{snd}}then the same agencies could fabricate evidence of Russian hacking, Putin said. |archive-date = 20 October 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201020101045/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/putin-calls-election-meddling-charge-a-load-of-nonsense-in-megyn-kelly-interview/2017/06/04/3968c42c-497c-11e7-9669-250d0b15f83b_story.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.yahoo.com/tv/megyn-kelly-drills-vladimir-putin-presidential-election-hack-003528480.html |title = Megyn Kelly Drills Vladimir Putin on Presidential Election Hack, Russia's Ties With Trump (Video) |website = ] |date = 7 June 2017 |access-date = 8 October 2017 |quote = Presidents come and go, and even the parties in power change, but the main political direction does not change. That's why, in the grand scheme of things, we don't care who's the head of the United States. We know more or less what is going to happen. And so in this regard, even if we wanted to, it wouldn't make sense for us to interfere. |archive-date = 8 October 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171008182034/https://www.yahoo.com/tv/megyn-kelly-drills-vladimir-putin-presidential-election-hack-003528480.html |url-status = live }}</ref> and July 2017.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Liptak |first = Kevin |url = http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/08/politics/trump-advisers-russia-interference/index.html |title = Trump officials decline to rebut Russia's claims that Trump seemed to accept election denials |publisher = CNN |date = 8 July 2017 |access-date = 21 July 2017 |quote = Top advisers to President Donald Trump declined three times on Saturday to rebut claims from Russian officials that Trump had accepted their denials of alleged Russian interference in the US election.&nbsp;... Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;... told reporters that Trump appeared to accept his assertion that Russia did not meddle in the US presidential contest. |archive-date = 28 June 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200628025650/https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/08/politics/trump-advisers-russia-interference/index.html |url-status = live }}</ref>


Putin later stated that interference was "theoretically possible" and could have been perpetrated by "patriotically minded" Russian hackers,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Pinchuk |first = Denis |date = 1 June 2017 |title = Patriotic Russians may have staged cyber attacks on own initiative: Putin |work = Reuters |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-economic-forum-putin-cyber-idUSKBN18S56Y |access-date = 26 May 2021 |archive-date = 8 November 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211108185403/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-economic-forum-putin-cyber-idUSKBN18S56Y |url-status = live }}</ref> and on another occasion claimed "not even Russians, but Ukrainians, Tatars or Jews, but with Russian citizenship" might have been responsible.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Putin says Jews, Ukrainians, Tatars could be behind U.S. election meddling |url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/03/10/putin-says-jews-russian-citizenship-could-behind-u-s-election-meddling/413321002/ |access-date = 26 May 2021 |website = USA Today |language = en-US |archive-date = 11 March 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180311214030/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/03/10/putin-says-jews-russian-citizenship-could-behind-u-s-election-meddling/413321002/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In July 2018, '']'' reported that the ] had long nurtured a Russian source who eventually rose to a position close to Putin, allowing the source to pass key information in 2016 about Putin's direct involvement.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/18/world/europe/trump-intelligence-russian-election-meddling-.html |title = From the Start, Trump Has Muddied a Clear Message: Putin Interfered |first1 = David E. |last1 = Sanger |first2 = Matthew |last2 = Rosenberg |date = 18 July 2018 |work = The New York Times |access-date = 22 June 2019 |archive-date = 5 August 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180805210601/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/18/world/europe/trump-intelligence-russian-election-meddling-.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Putin continued similar attempts in the ].<ref>Polyakova, Alina, "The Kremlin's Plot against Democracy: How Russia Updated Its 2016 Playbook for 2020". ''Foreign Affairs'' 99#5 (2020): 140–145</ref>
==Political future==
]
The ] imposes consecutive ]s that prevent Putin from running for re-election again in 2008, although he would be allowed to run for President in the following presidential election, scheduled for 2012. On ], ], ] Speaker ] was quoted by '']'' news agency, saying that the fact that the ] had been set to ], ], would allow Putin, who is required by term limits to leave office when his second term ends in May 2008, the option of resigning early and then running again. <ref>, The Moscow Times, November 27, 2007.</ref>


=== 2018–2024: Fourth presidential term ===
There are speculations in some media that Putin might be planning to have an influential role in the government preceding the elections <ref></ref>, however on ], ] Putin publicly rebuked such speculations: "there will be no successors. There will be candidates for the post of the President of the Russian Federation." <ref></ref>.
{{See also|Vladimir Putin 2018 presidential campaign}}
] meeting with members of ], 21 January 2020]]
Putin won the ] with more than 76% of the vote.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43455950 |title = Muted Western reaction to Putin victory |date = 19 March 2018 |work = BBC News |access-date = 19 March 2018 |archive-date = 16 January 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220116132400/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43455950 |url-status = live }}</ref> His fourth term began on 7 May 2018,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.aif.ru/politics/russia/kogda_budet_inauguraciya_prezidenta_rf |title = Когда будет инаугурация президента РФ? |website = aif.ru |date = 19 March 2018 |access-date = 20 March 2018 |archive-date = 20 March 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180320004027/http://www.aif.ru/politics/russia/kogda_budet_inauguraciya_prezidenta_rf |url-status = live }}</ref> and will last until 2024.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43452449 |title = Russia's Putin wins by big margin |date = 18 March 2018 |work = BBC News |access-date = 18 March 2018 |archive-date = 13 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220213231239/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43452449 |url-status = live }}</ref> On the same day, Putin invited Dmitry Medvedev to form a ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://ria.ru/20180507/1520044323.html |title = Путин предложил кандидатуру Медведева на пост премьера |date = 7 May 2018 |website = РИА Новости |access-date = 17 April 2019 |archive-date = 30 November 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211130081246/https://ria.ru/20180507/1520044323.html |url-status = live }}</ref> On 15 May 2018, Putin took part in the opening of the movement along the highway section of the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||script-title = ru:Открытие автодорожной части Крымского моста |url = http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/57472 |work = Kremlin.ru |date = 15 May 2018 |access-date = 15 May 2018 |language = ru |archive-date = 31 December 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211231091526/http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/57472 |url-status = live }}</ref> On 18 May 2018, Putin signed decrees on the composition of the new Government.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||script-title = ru:Президент подписал указы о составе нового Правительства |url = http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/57495 |work = Kremlin.ru |date = 18 May 2018 |access-date = 18 May 2018 |language = ru |archive-date = 30 November 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211130081252/http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/57495 |url-status = live }}</ref> On 25 May 2018, Putin announced that he would not run for president in 2024, justifying this in compliance with the Russian Constitution.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin says will step down as president after term expires in 2024 |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-rule-constitution-idUSKCN1IQ2H9 |work = Reuters |date = 25 May 2018 |access-date = 16 November 2020 |archive-date = 5 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220305094415/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-rule-constitution-idUSKCN1IQ2H9 |url-status = live }}</ref> On 14 June 2018, Putin opened the ], which took place in Russia for the first time. On 18 October 2018, Putin said Russians will 'go to Heaven as martyrs' in the event of a ] as he would only use ]s in retaliation.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1 = Gessen |first1 = Masha |title = Putin Lied About His Nuclear Doctrine and Promised Russians That They Would Go to Heaven |url = https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/putin-lied-about-his-nuclear-doctrine-and-promised-russians-that-they-would-go-to-heaven |magazine = The New Yorker |date = 19 October 2018 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 1 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220301033326/https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/putin-lied-about-his-nuclear-doctrine-and-promised-russians-that-they-would-go-to-heaven |url-status = live }}</ref>
In September 2019, Putin's administration interfered with the results of Russia's nationwide regional elections and manipulated it by eliminating all candidates in the opposition. The event that was aimed at contributing to the ruling party, ]'s victory, also contributed to inciting mass protests for democracy, leading to large-scale arrests and cases of police brutality.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/08/the-observer-view-on-russia-subversion-of-democracy |title = The Observer view on Putin's ongoing corruption of democracy |access-date = 8 September 2019 |website = The Guardian |date = 8 September 2019 |archive-date = 19 August 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210819021005/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/08/the-observer-view-on-russia-subversion-of-democracy |url-status = live }}</ref>


On 15 January 2020, Medvedev and his entire government resigned after Putin's ]. Putin suggested ] that could extend his political power after presidency.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Soldatkin |first1 = Vladimir |last2 = Osborn |first2 = Andrew |date = 15 January 2020 |title = Putin shake-up could keep him in power past 2024 as cabinet steps aside |work = ] |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-idUSKBN1ZE15J |access-date = 24 December 2020 |archive-date = 4 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220304223454/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-idUSKBN1ZE15J |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Ilyushina |first1 = Mary |last2 = McKenzie |first2 = Sheena |date = 15 January 2020 |title = Russian government resigns as Putin proposes reforms that could extend his grip on power |url = https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/15/europe/russian-government-resigns-vladimir-putin-reforms-intl/index.html |access-date = 16 November 2020 |publisher = ] |archive-date = 4 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220304080000/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/15/europe/russian-government-resigns-vladimir-putin-reforms-intl/index.html |url-status = live }}</ref> At the same time, on behalf of Putin, he continued to exercise his powers until the formation of a new government.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://ria.ru/20200115/1563456719.html |script-title = ru:Правительство России уходит в отставку |date = 15 January 2020 |newspaper = Риа Новости |language = ru |access-date = 15 January 2020 |archive-date = 15 January 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200115134943/https://ria.ru/20200115/1563456719.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Putin suggested that Medvedev take the newly created post of deputy chairman of the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://ria.ru/20200115/1563457145.html |title = Путин предложил Медведеву должность зампредседателя Совбеза |date = 15 January 2020 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 5 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220305131438/https://ria.ru/20200115/1563457145.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
On ], ], Putin announced he would run as first on the list for United Russia and might consider becoming ].<ref></ref> <ref>BBC News: </ref>


On the same day, Putin nominated ], head of the ] for the post of prime minister. The next day, he was confirmed by the State Duma to the post,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-politics-mishustin-vote/russian-lawmakers-approve-mishustin-as-pm-idUSKBN1ZF1J2 |title = Russian lawmakers approve Mishustin as PM |date = 16 January 2020 |quote = Mishustin received 383 votes of 424 cast, with no votes against and 41 abstentions in a victory that had been all but assured when he won the unanimous backing of his party, United Russia, which has a strong majority in the chamber. |first1 = Vladimir |last1 = Soldatkin |first2 = Alexander |last2 = Marrow |editor-first = John |editor-last = Stonestreet |work = ] |access-date = 16 January 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200116190440/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-politics-mishustin-vote/russian-lawmakers-approve-mishustin-as-pm-idUSKBN1ZF1J2 |archive-date = 16 January 2020 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://iz.ru/964983/2020-01-16/gosduma-odobrila-mishustina-na-post-premera |title = Госдума одобрила Мишустина на пост премьера |date = 16 January 2020 |newspaper = Известия |language = ru |access-date = 15 October 2020 |archive-date = 29 April 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200429024548/https://iz.ru/964983/2020-01-16/gosduma-odobrila-mishustina-na-post-premera |url-status = live }}</ref> and appointed prime minister by Putin's decree.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62593 |title = Михаил Мишустин назначен Председателем Правительства Российской Федерации |date = 16 January 2020 |access-date = 16 January 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200116155448/http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62593 |archive-date = 16 January 2020 |url-status = live }}</ref> This was the first time ever that a prime minister was confirmed without any votes against. On 21 January 2020, Mishustin presented to Putin a draft structure of his ]. On the same day, the president signed a decree on the structure of the Cabinet and appointed the proposed ministers.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62622 |title = Указ о структуре федеральных органов исполнительной власти |website = Президент России |date = 21 January 2020 |access-date = 24 February 2021 |archive-date = 23 January 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191841/http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62622 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62625 |title = Подписаны указы о назначении министров Правительства Российской Федерации |website = Президент России |date = 21 January 2020 |access-date = 24 February 2021 |archive-date = 30 January 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220130000941/http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62625 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62624 |title = Назначены министры внутренних дел, иностранных дел, обороны, юстиции и глава МЧС России |website = Президент России |date = 21 January 2020 |access-date = 24 February 2021 |archive-date = 17 August 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210817203952/http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/62624 |url-status = live }}</ref>
On ], ], Putin backed First deputy prime-minister, prodigae, and chairman of ] ]'s candidature for presidential election, nominated by Putin's ''United Russia'' party, as well as ], liberal ] and pro-Kremlin socialistic ]. <ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| title = Putin sees Medvedev as successor.
| work =
| publisher = ]
| date= 10 December 2007
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7136347.stm
| accessdate = 2007-12-10}}</ref> It has been long believed by political analysts that Putin's choice of a successor will coast to an easy election-day victory as pre-election opinion polls have indicated that a substantial majority of potential voters will back Putin's chosen candidate for president.<ref>, Washington Post, December 10, 2007.</ref> Medvedev announced in his first speech since his own nomination that as President, he will nominate Vladimir Putin to the post of ] to head the Russian government, if the latter was willing to accept it.<ref>, Washington Post, December 11, 2007.</ref> Although constitutionally barred from a third consecutive presidential term, such a role would arguably allow Putin to continue as a national leader, and to take up again the presidency later if he so chose. Some analysts have been quick to point out that such a statement shows that Medvedev recognizes that he would only be a ] president.<ref> ], December 11, 2007.</ref> Anders Åslund warns that the transfer-of-power operation is still far from being a foregone conclusion.<ref> By ] ] December 14, 2007. Issue 3807. Page 8.</ref> Notwithstanding such views, Putin has pledged that he would accept the position of prime minister should Medvedev be elected president. Although Putin has pledged not to change the distribution of authority between president and prime minister, many analysts are expecting a shift in the center of power from the presidency to the prime minister post should Putin assumes the latter under a Medvedev presidency.<ref> Associated Press, December 17, 2007.</ref>


==== COVID-19 pandemic ====
On December 11, 2007, a Kremlin official confirmed that Putin and ] President ] had discussed plans to consolidate their two countries into a new merger-state, just days before their scheduled two-day meeting.<ref> ] Dec 11, 2007</ref> Were such a union to come into existence, it would necessitate a freshly drafted constitution for the new union-state, essentially giving Putin the avenue which he needs to legally circumvent the current term-limit constitutionally imposed upon him.<ref> ] December 10, 2007</ref> Such speculations were rebutted by Belarusian President Lukashenko on December 14, 2007.<ref> ] Dec 14, 2007.</ref>
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Russia}}
] in Moscow, 24 March 2020.]]
On 15 March 2020, Putin instructed to form a Working Group of the ] to counteract the spread of COVID-19. Putin appointed Moscow Mayor ] as the head of the group.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.rbc.ru/politics/16/03/2020/5e6f4fc89a79476e28d165c5 |title = Кремль объяснил разницу в полномочиях Собянина и Мишустина по вирусу |website = РБК |date = 16 March 2020 |language = ru |access-date = 21 March 2020 |archive-date = 2 November 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211102061705/https://www.rbc.ru/politics/16/03/2020/5e6f4fc89a79476e28d165c5 |url-status = live }}</ref>


On 22 March 2020, after a phone call with Italian prime minister ], Putin arranged the ] to send military medics, special disinfection vehicles and other medical equipment to Italy, which was the European country hardest hit by the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russian army to send coronavirus help to Italy after Putin phone call |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-russia-italy/russian-army-to-send-coronavirus-help-to-italy-after-putin-phone-call-idUSKBN219081 |access-date = 22 March 2020 |work = Reuters |date = 22 March 2020 |archive-date = 7 May 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200507195107/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-russia-italy/russian-army-to-send-coronavirus-help-to-italy-after-putin-phone-call-idUSKBN219081 |url-status = live }}</ref> Putin began working remotely from his office at ]. According to ], Putin passed daily tests for COVID-19, and his health was not in danger.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Песков сообщил о регулярных тестах Путина на коронавирус |url = https://www.interfax.ru/russia/701791 |access-date = 31 March 2020 |agency = Interfax |date = 3 April 2020 |language = ru |archive-date = 14 December 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211214173805/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/701791 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Путин перешел на удаленку |url = https://www.rosbalt.ru/russia/2020/04/01/1835841.html |access-date = 1 April 2020 |work = Росбалт |date = 3 April 2020 |language = ru |archive-date = 2 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220302151916/https://www.rosbalt.ru/russia/2020/04/01/1835841.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
At the ] party congress on ], ], Medvedev was officially nominated and Putin agreed to become prime minister if Medvedev won the election.<ref></ref>


On 25 March, President Putin announced in a televised address to the nation that the ] would be postponed due to COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://tass.ru/politika/8075213 |title = Путин: дата голосования по поправкам к Конституции должна быть перенесена |agency = ] |date = 25 March 2020 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 16 August 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210816175640/https://tass.ru/politika/8075213 |url-status = live }}</ref> He added that the next week would be a nationwide paid holiday and urged Russians to stay at home.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://tass.com/society/1135339 |title = Putin calls on Russians 'to stay home' due to coronavirus |agency = ] |date = 25 March 2020 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 7 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220307210843/https://tass.com/society/1135339 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="mt-mar25">{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/03/25/coronavirus-in-russia-the-latest-news-march-25-a69117 |title = Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News |website = ] |date = 25 March 2020 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 25 March 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200325143936/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/03/25/coronavirus-in-russia-the-latest-news-march-25-a69117 |url-status = live }}</ref> Putin also announced a list of measures of ], support for ], and changes in ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Address to the Nation |url = http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63061 |website = en.kremlin.ru |access-date = 25 March 2020 |date = 25 March 2020 |archive-date = 25 March 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200325211445/http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63061 |url-status = live }}</ref> Putin announced the following measures for microenterprises, small- and medium-sized businesses: deferring tax payments (except Russia's ]) for the next six months, cutting the size of social security contributions in half, deferring social security contributions, deferring loan repayments for the next six months, a six-month moratorium on fines, debt collection, and creditors' applications for bankruptcy of debtor enterprises.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = 'They need to quarantine Moscow' How small businesses in Russia's capital are scrambling to stay afloat as coronavirus clobbers the economy |url = https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/03/27/they-need-to-quarantine-moscow |access-date = 27 March 2020 |work = ] |date = 27 March 2020 |archive-date = 4 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220304213604/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/03/27/they-need-to-quarantine-moscow |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Bankrolling Russia's relief program Putin has proposed sweeping tax cuts to shore up vulnerable businesses as coronavirus cripples the economy, but a lot more might be needed and it's unclear who would foot the bill |url = https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/03/26/bankrolling-russia-s-relief-program |access-date = 27 March 2020 |work = ] |date = 26 March 2020 |archive-date = 4 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220304213601/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/03/26/bankrolling-russia-s-relief-program |url-status = live }}</ref>
At the time that Medvedev formally registered his candidacy with the ] on ], ], he announced that if elected, he would be stepping down as ] of the ] of ], since under the current laws, the president is not permitted to hold another post.<ref>,Bloomberg, December 20, 2007.</ref> Sources close to Gazprom and Medvedev have told the ] newspaper that Medvedev may be replaced by Putin at Gazprom.<ref>, Reuters, December 21, 2007.</ref>


On 2 April 2020, Putin again issued an address in which he announced prolongation of the non-working time until 30 April.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin signs decree on non-working days for Russian citizens until April 30 |url = https://tass.com/politics/1139407 |access-date = 2 April 2020 |agency = ] |date = 2 April 2020 |archive-date = 27 February 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210227160458/https://tass.com/politics/1139407 |url-status = live }}</ref> Putin likened Russia's fight against COVID-19 to Russia's battles with invading ] and ] steppe nomads in the 10th and 11th centuries.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin Sets Off Meme Storm By Comparing Medieval Invaders to Coronavirus Quarantine |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/04/09/putin-sets-off-meme-storm-by-comparing-medieval-invaders-to-coronavirus-quarantine-a69931 |work = Moscow Times |date = 8 April 2020 |access-date = 2 May 2020 |archive-date = 5 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220305125750/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/04/09/putin-sets-off-meme-storm-by-comparing-medieval-invaders-to-coronavirus-quarantine-a69931 |url-status = live }}</ref> In a 24 to 27 April ] poll, 48% of Russian respondents said that they disapproved of Putin's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin's Virus Response Earns Lower Marks Than Local Leaders': Poll |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/04/30/putins-virus-response-rated-lower-than-local-leaders-poll-a70156 |work = Moscow Times |date = 30 April 2020 |access-date = 2 May 2020 |archive-date = 5 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220305000124/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/04/30/putins-virus-response-rated-lower-than-local-leaders-poll-a70156 |url-status = live }}</ref> and his strict isolation and lack of leadership during the crisis was widely commented as sign of losing his "strongman" image.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = As the Coronavirus Contagion Grows in Russia, Putin's Strongman Image Weakens |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/05/14/as-the-coronavirus-contagion-grows-in-russia-putins-strongman-image-weakens-a70257 |last = Gershkovich |first = Evan |date = 14 May 2020 |website = Moscow Times |access-date = 14 May 2020 |archive-date = 15 August 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210815163326/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/05/14/as-the-coronavirus-contagion-grows-in-russia-putins-strongman-image-weakens-a70257 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Galeotti |first1 = Mark |title = Putin Withdraws From the Coronavirus Crisis in a Political Abdication |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/05/12/putin-withdraws-from-the-coronavirus-crisis-in-a-political-abdication-a70245 |work = Moscow Times |date = 12 May 2020 |access-date = 22 May 2020 |archive-date = 15 August 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210815231916/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/05/12/putin-withdraws-from-the-coronavirus-crisis-in-a-political-abdication-a70245 |url-status = live }}</ref>
== Family and personal life ==
] (left) is in charge of Russia's domestic politics.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia's technocrat-in-chief |url = https://meduza.io/en/feature/2019/10/11/russia-s-technocrat-in-chief |work = Meduza |date = 11 October 2019 |access-date = 5 September 2020 |archive-date = 1 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220301173052/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2019/10/11/russia-s-technocrat-in-chief |url-status = live }}</ref>]]
On ], ] Putin married ], at that time an undergraduate student of the Spanish branch of the ] Department of the ] and a former airline stewardess, who had been born in ] on ]]. They have two daughters, ] (born 1985) and ] (born 1986 in ]). The daughters attended the ] (Deutsche Schule Moskau) until his appointment as prime minister.


In June 2021, Putin said he was fully vaccinated against the disease with the ], emphasising that while vaccinations should be voluntary, making them mandatory in some professions would slow down the spread of COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Litvinova |first = Daria |title = Putin reveals he was vaccinated with Russia's Sputnik V |url = https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-health-russia-coronavirus-pandemic-035536af03c480bbc4127d7bb5ead1fc |work = Associated Press News |date = 13 August 2021 |access-date = 14 September 2021 |archive-date = 9 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220309020655/https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-health-russia-coronavirus-pandemic-035536af03c480bbc4127d7bb5ead1fc |url-status = live }}</ref> In September, Putin entered ] after people in his inner circle tested positive for the disease.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Litvinova |first1 = Daria |title = Putin in self-isolation due to COVID cases in inner circle |url = https://apnews.com/article/russia-vladimir-putin-isolation-coronavirus-pandemic-f842e18bbb1bcb7090aa84de9b42951e |work = Associated Press News |date = 14 September 2021 |access-date = 14 September 2021 |archive-date = 7 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220307151201/https://apnews.com/article/russia-vladimir-putin-isolation-coronavirus-pandemic-f842e18bbb1bcb7090aa84de9b42951e |url-status = live }}</ref> According to a report by the ''Wall Street Journal'', Putin's inner circle of advisors shrank during the COVID-19 lockdown to a small number of hawkish advisers.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/putin-russia-ukraine-war-advisers-11671815184 |title = Putin, Isolated and Distrustful, Leans on Handful of Hard-Line Advisers |first1 = Evan |last1 = Gershkovich | first2 = Thomas | last2 = Grove | first3 = Drew | last3 = Hinshaw | first4 = Joe | last4 = Parkinson |website = The Wall Street Journal |date = 23 December 2022 |access-date = 24 December 2022 |archive-date = 24 December 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221224224320/https://www.wsj.com/articles/putin-russia-ukraine-war-advisers-11671815184 |url-status = live }}</ref>
Since 1992, Putin had owned a ] of about 7 thousand square meters in Solovyovka, Priozersky district of the ], which is located on the eastern shore of the Komsomol'skoye lake on the ] near St. Petersburg. His neighbours there are ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. On ], ], together they instituted the co-operative society ] (the Lake) which united their properties. This was confirmed by Putin's income and property declaration as a nominee for the presidency in 2000.<ref name="arppo" /> However, this real estate was not listed in his income and property declaration for 1998 - 2002 submitted before the 2004 elections. (Full text of the declaration in Russian: )


==== Constitutional referendum and amendments ====
Putin's father was "a model communist, genuinely believing in its ideals while trying to put them into practice in his own life.". With this dedication he became secretary of the Party cell in his workshop and then after taking night classes joined the factory’s Party bureau.<ref name="Choice">{{cite book|title=Putin: Russia's Choice|author=Richard Sakwa|date=2004|publisher=Routledge|location=London}}</ref> Though his father was a "militant atheist",<ref name="Colton">{{cite book|title=Popular Choice and Managed Democracy: the Russian elections of 1999 and 2000|author=Timothy J. Colton, Michael MacFaul|date=2003|publisher=The Brookings Institution|location=Washington DC}}</ref> Putin's mother "was a devoted Orthodox believer". Though she kept no icons at home, she attended church regularly (despite the government's persecution of the Russian Orthodox Church at that time). She ensured that Putin was secretly christened as a baby, and she regularly took him to services. His father knew of this but turned a blind eye.<ref name="Choice"/> According to his own statements, his religious awakening followed the serious car crash of his wife in 1993, and was deepened by a life-threatening fire that burned down their dacha in August 1996.<ref name="Colton"/><ref> ], ]].</ref> Right before an official visit to Israel his mother gave him his baptismal cross telling him to get it blessed “I did as she said and then put the cross around my neck. I have never taken it off since.”<ref name="Choice"/> Putin repeated the story to ] in June 2001, which might have inspired Bush to make his much-derided<ref> ] report via ] Issue #1337 (1) January 9, 2008.</ref> remark that he had "got a sense of Putin's soul".<ref> By Alexander Osipovich ] February 12, 2008. Page 1.</ref><ref> ] 16 June, 2001.</ref> Putin is regularly shown on Russian television attending ] services, lighting candles in front of icons and crossing himself, though there is no credible information about his actual participation in the Church's ]s.
{{Main|2020 Russian constitutional referendum}}
Putin signed an executive order on 3 July 2020 to officially insert amendments into the Russian Constitution, allowing him to run for two additional six-year terms. These amendments took effect on 4 July 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/putin-orders-constitution-allowing-rule-2036-200703142851167.html |date = 3 July 2020 |title = Putin orders constitution changes allowing him to rule until 2036 |publisher = Al Jazeera |access-date = 11 August 2020 |archive-date = 17 September 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200917114710/https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2020/07/putin-orders-constitution-allowing-rule-2036-200703142851167.html |url-status = live }}</ref>


In 2020 and 2021, protests were held in the ] in Russia's ] in support of arrested regional governor ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Anti-Putin Protests in Russia's Far East Gather Steam |url = https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/anti-putin-protests-russias-far-east-gather-steam |publisher = ] |date = 25 July 2020 |agency = Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Russia |access-date = 11 August 2020 |archive-date = 6 August 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200806072808/https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/anti-putin-protests-russias-far-east-gather-steam |url-status = live }}</ref> The ] became increasingly anti-Putin over time.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Troianovski |first = Anton |author-link = Anton Troianovski |date = 25 July 2020 |title = Protests Swell in Russia's Far East in a Stark New Challenge to Putin |work = ] |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/25/world/europe/russia-protests-putin-khabarovsk.html |url-access = registration |access-date = 11 August 2020 |archive-date = 22 November 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211122122714/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/25/world/europe/russia-protests-putin-khabarovsk.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Odynova |first = Alexandra |date = 3 August 2020 |title = Anti-Kremlin protests continue in Russia's far east for 24 consecutive days |url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/anti-kremlin-protests-khabarovsk-russia-24-days/ |publisher = CBS News |location = New York City |access-date = 11 August 2020 |archive-date = 5 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220305093028/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/anti-kremlin-protests-khabarovsk-russia-24-days/ |url-status = live }}</ref> A July 2020 ] poll found that 45% of surveyed Russians supported the protests.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.levada.ru/2020/07/28/protesty-v-habarovske/ |title = ПРОТЕСТЫ В ХАБАРОВСКЕ |website = Levada Center |date = 28 July 2020 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 28 July 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200728110005/https://www.levada.ru/2020/07/28/protesty-v-habarovske/ |url-status = live }}</ref> On 22 December 2020, Putin signed a bill giving lifetime prosecutorial immunity to Russian ex-presidents.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 22 December 2020 |title = Putin signs bill granting lifetime immunity to former Russian presidents |url = http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/22/putin-signs-bill-granting-lifetime-immunity-to-former-russian-presidents |access-date = 24 December 2020 |website = ] |archive-date = 26 November 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211126004011/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/22/putin-signs-bill-granting-lifetime-immunity-to-former-russian-presidents |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 20 December 2020 |title = Russia's Putin signs bill giving ex-presidents lifetime immunity |url = https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/22/russias-putin-signs-bill-giving-presidents-lifetime-immunity |access-date = 24 December 2020 |publisher = ] |archive-date = 4 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220304213555/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/22/russias-putin-signs-bill-giving-presidents-lifetime-immunity |url-status = live }}</ref>
Putin speaks ] with near-native fluency. His family used to speak German at home as well.<ref>{{cite web | last=Wagner |first=Hans | url=http://www.eurasischesmagazin.de/artikel/?artikelID=20060504 | title= Das Konfliktpotential mit den USA wächst (German) |date=June 30, 2006 | accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref> After becoming President he was reported to be taking ] lessons and could be seen conversing directly with Bush and other native speakers of English in informal situations, but he continues to use interpreters for formal talks. Putin spoke English in public for the first time during the state dinner in ] in ] saying but a few phrases while delivering his condolences to the ].<ref></ref> He made a full English speech while addressing delegates at the 119th International Olympic Committee Session in Guatemala City on behalf of the successful bid of ] for the ].


===Personal wealth=== ==== Iran trade deal ====
{{See also|Iran–Russia relations}}
] and supreme leader ] on 19 July 2022]]
Putin met Iran President ] in January 2022 to lay the groundwork for a 20-year deal between the two nations.<ref name="purai">{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = ASHKENAZ |first1 = ANTONY |title = Biden humiliated as Russia and Iran strikes major 20-year energy deal |url = https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1620147/Biden-humiliated-Russia-strikes-major-energy-deal-iran-nuclear |publisher = Express Newspapers |date = 3 June 2022 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 9 June 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220609060256/https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1620147/Biden-humiliated-Russia-strikes-major-energy-deal-iran-nuclear |url-status = live }}</ref>


==== 2021–2022 Russo-Ukrainian crisis ====
According to the official data submitted during the ] Putin's wealth is quite trivial. His wealth is limited to approximately 3.7 million ] (approximately $150 thousand) in bank accounts, a private 77.4 square meters apartment in Saint Petersburg, 260 ] of ''Bank Saint Petersburg'' (with the December 2007 market price $5.36 per share) and two ] cars of 1960s that he inherited from his father and does not ] for on-road use. Putin's total 2006 income totaled to 2 million rubles (approximately $80 thousand).<ref> ] N 4504 ] ] {{ru icon}}</ref> According to the official data Putin certainly did not make into the top 100 most wealthy ] candidates of his own ] party.<ref> ] ] ] </ref>
{{Main|Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine}}<!---Quote farm style should be fixed as its generally not suited to encyclopedic writing --->


] on 7 December 2021.|left]]
On the other hand, there have been some allegations that Putin secretly owns a large fortune.
In July 2021, Putin published an essay titled '']'', in which he states that Belarusians, Ukrainians and Russians should be in one ] as a part of the ] and are "one people" whom "forces that have always sought to undermine our unity" wanted to "divide and rule".<ref name=infess>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Putin |first = Vladimir |author-link = Vladimir Putin |date = 12 July 2021 |title = Article by Vladimir Putin 'On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians' |url = http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220125053520/http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181 |archive-date = 25 January 2022 |website = The Kremlin |publisher = ]. }}</ref> The essay ] of Ukraine as an independent nation.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=How Putin's Denial of Ukraine's Statehood Rewrites History|url=https://time.com/6150046/ukraine-statehood-russia-history-putin/|magazine=Time|first=Billy|last=Perrigno|date=22 February 2022|access-date=22 March 2023|archive-date=22 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222200708/https://time.com/6150046/ukraine-statehood-russia-history-putin/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Why is Putin attacking Ukraine? He told us |url = https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2022/2/23/22945781/russia-ukraine-putin-speech-transcript-february-22 |work = Vox |date = 23 February 2022 |access-date = 22 May 2022 |archive-date = 16 May 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220516195145/https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2022/2/23/22945781/russia-ukraine-putin-speech-transcript-february-22 |url-status = live }}</ref>
According to former ] of the Russian ] ]<ref>{{cite web
| last = Corwin
| first = Julie A.
| title = ''Do not attempt to adjust your set''.
| work = RFE/RL Reports
| publisher = ]
| date= 13 February 2004
| url = http://www.rferl.org/reports/mm/2004/02/3-130204.asp
| accessdate = 2007-12-10}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web
|url= http://www.ng.ru/politics/2004-02-03/2_rybkin.html
|title= ''Рыбкин собрал компромат на президента. Экс-глава Совбеза России «рассекречивает» бизнесменов из кремлевского окружения.''
|accessdate=2007-12-10
|accessdaymonth=
|accessmonthday=
|accessyear=
|author=Ирина Романчева
|last=
|first=
|authorlink=
|coauthors=
|date= 2004-02-03
|year=
|month=
|format=
|work=
|publisher=''Nezavisimaya Gazeta'' newspaper
|pages=
|language=Russian
|doi=
|archiveurl=
|archivedate=
|quote= Now it is Putin who is Russia's biggest business oligarch.
}}</ref> , and Russian ] ]<ref>{{cite web
| last =Quiring
| first =Von Manfred
| title = Warum Putin gar nicht Präsident bleiben will
| work =
| publisher =]
| date= 12 November 2007
| url = http://www.welt.de/politik/article1352592/Warum_Putin_gar_nicht_Praesident_bleiben_will.html
| accessdate = 2007-12-04}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web
|url= http://www.jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2372600
|title=Staniskav Belkovsky: PUTIN WILL LEAVE POWER COMPLETELY
|accessdate=2007-12-06
|accessdaymonth=
|accessmonthday=
|accessyear=
|author=Jonas Bernstein
|last=
|first=
|authorlink=
|coauthors=
|date= 2007-11-19
|year=
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|format=
|work=
|publisher=The Jamestown Foundation
|pages=
|language=English
|doi=
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|quote=
}}</ref>, Putin controls a 4.5% stake in ], 37% in ] and 50% in the oil-trading company ] run by a close friend of Putin — ].<ref> ''Sobesednik'' № 10, March 7, 2007</ref><ref> NEWSru.com 1 ноября 2007 г.</ref> The aggregate estimated value of these holdings would easily make Putin Russia's richest person. "Putin's total personal fortune would amount to no less than $41 billion, placing him among the 10 richest in the world," says the Swedish economist ].<ref> , by ], ], November 28, 2007.</ref><ref> by ], ], December 12, 2007.</ref> In December, 2007, Belkovsky elaborated on his claims: "Putin's name doesn't appear on any shareholders' register, of course. There is a non-transparent scheme of successive ownership of offshore companies and funds. The final point is in Zug and Liechtenstein. Vladimir Putin should be the beneficiary owner."<ref> by Luke Harding ] December 21, 2007.</ref>


On 30 November 2021, Putin stated that an ] in Ukraine would be a "red line" issue for Russia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Russia will act if Nato countries cross Ukraine 'red lines', Putin says|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/russia-will-act-if-nato-countries-cross-ukraine-red-lines-putin-says|work=The Guardian|first=Andrew|last=Roth|date=30 November 2021|access-date=22 March 2023|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217112550/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/russia-will-act-if-nato-countries-cross-ukraine-red-lines-putin-says|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = NATO Pushes Back Against Russian President Putin's 'Red Lines' Over Ukraine |url = https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/43334/nato-pushes-back-against-russian-president-putins-red-lines-over-ukraine |work = The Drive |date = 1 December 2021 |access-date = 13 December 2021 |archive-date = 14 December 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211214164345/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/43334/nato-pushes-back-against-russian-president-putins-red-lines-over-ukraine |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin warns Russia will act if NATO crosses its red lines in Ukraine |url = https://www.reuters.com/markets/stocks/putin-warns-russia-will-act-if-nato-crosses-its-red-lines-ukraine-2021-11-30/ |work = Reuters |date = 30 November 2021 |access-date = 13 December 2021 |archive-date = 19 January 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220119022224/https://www.reuters.com/markets/stocks/putin-warns-russia-will-act-if-nato-crosses-its-red-lines-ukraine-2021-11-30/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The Kremlin repeatedly denied that it had any plans to invade Ukraine,<ref name="russpy">{{#invoke:cite news||date = 27 November 2021 |title = Russia spy chief says Ukraine invasion plan 'malicious' U.S. propaganda |work = Reuters |url = https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/russia-spy-chief-says-ukraine-invasion-plan-malicious-us-propaganda-2021-11-27/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221124064332/https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/russia-spy-chief-says-ukraine-invasion-plan-malicious-us-propaganda-2021-11-27/ |archive-date = 24 November 2022 }}</ref><ref name="skywest">{{#invoke:cite news||date = 7 December 2021 |title = West voices its concern over Russia's military build-up on Ukrainian border ahead of Biden call with Putin |publisher = Sky News |url = https://news.sky.com/story/west-voices-its-concern-over-russias-military-build-up-on-ukrainian-border-ahead-of-biden-call-with-putin-12488742 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221210085207/https://news.sky.com/story/west-voices-its-concern-over-russias-military-build-up-on-ukrainian-border-ahead-of-biden-call-with-putin-12488742 |archive-date = 10 December 2022 }}</ref><ref name="appre">{{#invoke:cite news||date = 17 January 2022 |title = Russia denies looking for pretext to invade Ukraine |work = Associated Press News |url = https://apnews.com/article/russia-officials-ukraine-invasion-f58cbbd7eca51cccf74ebd4be68484e8 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220118144105/https://apnews.com/article/russia-officials-ukraine-invasion-f58cbbd7eca51cccf74ebd4be68484e8 |archive-date = 18 January 2022 }}</ref> and Putin himself dismissed such fears as "alarmist".<ref name="gaslight">{{#invoke:cite news||date = 17 November 2021 |title = The world is worried Putin is about to invade Ukraine |publisher = ] |url = https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/17/the-world-is-worried-putin-is-about-to-invade-ukraine-heres-why.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221015082559/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/17/the-world-is-worried-putin-is-about-to-invade-ukraine-heres-why.html |archive-date = 15 October 2022 }}</ref> On 21 February 2022, Putin signed a ] the two self-proclaimed ] republics in ] as independent states and made an ].<ref name="extracts">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Extracts from Putin's speech on Ukraine |url = https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/extracts-putins-speech-ukraine-2022-02-21/ |work = Reuters |date = 21 February 2022 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 1 March 2022 |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/extracts-putins-speech-ukraine-2022-02-21/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
Putin is not included in the world ] compiled by '']''<ref name=Forbes2007>{{cite web |url= http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/10/07billionaires_The-Worlds-Billionaires_Rank.html |title= The World's Billionaires |accessdate=2007-11-01 | }}</ref> or the ] compiled by the ''Finance'' magazine.<ref name=Finance>{{cite web |url=http://www.finansmag.ru/48991/49005/49030/print/ |title=Rating of Russian Billionaires |accessdate=2007-06-03 |author=Finance magazine 2007|authorlink= |coauthors= |year=2007 |month=January |format= |work= |publisher=FinansMag.ru |pages= |language=Russian |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>


Putin was persuaded to invade Ukraine by a small group of his closest associates, especially ], ] and ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=A look at the trio who convinced Putin to invade |url=https://news.yahoo.com/look-trio-convinced-putin-invade-084200834.html |work=Yahoo News |date=9 January 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622191223/https://news.yahoo.com/look-trio-convinced-putin-invade-084200834.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to sources close to the Kremlin, most of Putin's advisers and associates opposed the invasion, but Putin overruled them. The invasion of Ukraine had been planned for almost a year.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=How Putin blundered into Ukraine – then doubled down |url=https://www.ft.com/content/80002564-33e8-48fb-b734-44810afb7a49 |work=Financial Times |date=23 February 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=21 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021151545/https://www.ft.com/content/80002564-33e8-48fb-b734-44810afb7a49 |url-status=live }}</ref>
When asked at a press conference on February 14, 2008 that some papers wrote of him as the richest person in Europe, and if this is true, then what would be the sources of his wealth, Putin dismissed the allegations and said: "This is plain chatter, not worthy discussion, plain bosh. They have picked this in their noses and have smeared this across their pieces of paper. This is how I view this."<ref name="press_conference_feb_2008">, February 14, 2008, Kremlin.ru</ref> When asked to comment on Putin's assertions, Belkovsky said: "Vladimir Vladimirovich says many interesting things ... stating, in particular, that Russia is a thriving democracy. In light of that ... I don't see anything strange in him replying that way."<ref> By Anatoly Medetsky ] February 15, 2008. Issue 3843. Page 1.</ref>


==== Full-scale invasion of Ukraine (2022–present) ====
===Martial arts===
{{Main|Russian invasion of Ukraine|Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
One of Putin's favorite sports is the ] of ]. Putin began training in ] (a ] that originated in the ]) at the age of 14, before switching to ], which he continues to practice today.<ref> U.S. radio station ] ] (], ])</ref> Putin won competitions in his hometown of ] (now ]), including the senior championship of Leningrad. He is the President of the ], the same ] ] he practiced at when young. Putin co-authored a book on his favorite sport, published in Russian as ''Judo with Vladimir Putin'' and in English under the title ''].''<ref>{{cite book | last=Putin | first=Vladimir V. | coauthors=Vasilii Shestakov, Alexey Levitsky, Aleksei Levitskii | year=2004 | month=July | title=Judo: History, Theory, Practice | publisher=North Atlantic Books | id=ISBN 1-55643-445-6 }}</ref>
On 24 February, Putin in a ] announced a "]"<ref name=rtr2>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia's Putin authorises 'special military operation' against Ukraine |date = 24 February 2022 |url = https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-putin-authorises-military-operations-donbass-domestic-media-2022-02-24/ |work = Reuters |access-date = 30 July 2022 |last1 = Osborn |first1 = Andrew |last2 = Nikolskaya |first2 = Polina |last3 = Nikolskaya |first3 = Polina |archive-date = 24 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220224032217/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-putin-authorises-military-operations-donbass-domestic-media-2022-02-24/ |url-status = live }}</ref> (SMO) in Ukraine,<ref name="ftputin">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Full text: Putin's declaration of war on Ukraine |url = https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/full-text-putin-s-declaration-of-war-on-ukraine |publisher = The Spectator (1828) Ltd |date = 24 February 2022 |access-date = 2 March 2022 |archive-date = 27 February 2022 |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/full-text-putin-s-declaration-of-war-on-ukraine |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="msnsmo">{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech/ar-AAUebpI |title = Russian President Vladimir Putin announces military assault against Ukraine in surprise speech |publisher = MSN |date = 24 February 2022 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 24 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064559/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech/ar-AAUebpI |url-status = live }}</ref> launching a full-scale invasion of the country.<ref name="dwrus">{{#invoke:cite news||publisher = Deutsche Welle |title = Russia launches massive invasion of Ukraine – live updates |date = 24 February 2022 |url = https://www.dw.com/en/russia-launches-massive-invasion-of-ukraine-live-updates/a-60893588 |access-date = 24 February 2022 |archive-date = 24 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220224215952/https://www.dw.com/en/russia-launches-massive-invasion-of-ukraine-live-updates/a-60893588 |url-status = live }}</ref> Citing a purpose of "]", he claimed to be doing this to protect people in the predominantly Russian-speaking region of Donbas who, according to Putin, faced "humiliation and genocide" from Ukraine for eight years.<ref name="eight">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin's claims that Ukraine is committing genocide are baseless, but not unprecedented |url = https://theconversation.com/putins-claims-that-ukraine-is-committing-genocide-are-baseless-but-not-unprecedented-177511 |work = ] |date = 25 February 2022 |access-date = 3 March 2022 |archive-date = 26 February 2022 |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://theconversation.com/putins-claims-that-ukraine-is-committing-genocide-are-baseless-but-not-unprecedented-177511 |url-status = live }}</ref> Minutes after the speech, he ] to gain control of the remainder of the country and overthrow the ] under the pretext that it was run by Nazis.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin's "Nazi" rhetoric reveals his terrifying war aims in Ukraine |url = https://www.vox.com/2022/2/24/22948944/putin-ukraine-nazi-russia-speech-declare-war |work = Vox |first = Zack |last = Beauchamp |date = 24 February 2022 |access-date = 17 March 2023 |archive-date = 28 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220228214635/https://www.vox.com/2022/2/24/22948944/putin-ukraine-nazi-russia-speech-declare-war |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Fact check: Do Vladimir Putin's justifications for going to war against Ukraine add up? |url = https://www.dw.com/en/fact-check-do-vladimir-putins-justifications-for-going-to-war-against-ukraine-add-up/a-60917168 |publisher = Deutsche Welle |date = 25 February 2022 |access-date = 22 May 2022 |archive-date = 25 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220225162831/https://www.dw.com/en/fact-check-do-vladimir-putins-justifications-for-going-to-war-against-ukraine-add-up/a-60917168 |url-status = live }}</ref> Russia's invasion was met with international condemnation.<ref name="intcon">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia's War of Self-Destruction |url = https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2022/02/russias-war-of-self-destruction-in-ukraine.html |work = New York |first = Jonah |last = Shepp |date = 28 February 2022 |access-date = 17 March 2023 |archive-date = 11 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220311040920/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2022/02/russias-war-of-self-destruction-in-ukraine.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="miscal">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin's miscalculation in Ukraine could lead to his downfall |url = https://www.newstatesman.com/international-content/2022/03/putins-miscalculation-in-ukraine-could-lead-to-his-downfall |work = New Statesman |date = 2 March 2022 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 6 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220306132058/https://www.newstatesman.com/international-content/2022/03/putins-miscalculation-in-ukraine-could-lead-to-his-downfall |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="ecocol">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russians Fleeing As Nation Faces Economic Collapse |url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2022/03/05/russians-fleeing-as-nation-faces-economic-collapse/?sh=67e59fb07089 |work = Forbes |date = 5 March 2022 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 6 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220306132049/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2022/03/05/russians-fleeing-as-nation-faces-economic-collapse/?sh=67e59fb07089 |url-status = live }}</ref> ] against Russia, including against Putin personally.<ref name="bbcuki">{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60530065 |title = Ukraine conflict: UK to impose sanctions on Russia's President Putin |website = BBC News |date = 25 February 2022 |access-date = 25 February 2022 |archive-date = 1 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220301152624/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60530065 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="bbcukw">{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60530171 |title = Ukraine invasion: West imposes sanctions on Russia's Putin and Lavrov |website = BBC News |date = 26 February 2022 |access-date = 26 February 2022 |archive-date = 27 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220227233312/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60530171 |url-status = live }}</ref> The invasion also led to numerous calls for Putin to be pursued with war crime charges.<ref name="CNN-warcrimes">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Everything you need to know about war crimes and how Putin could be prosecuted |url = https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/03/politics/putin-war-crimes-russia-ukraine-us-what-matters/index.html |access-date = 26 March 2022 |publisher = CNN |archive-date = 9 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220309080701/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/03/politics/putin-war-crimes-russia-ukraine-us-what-matters/index.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Orentlicher |first1 = Diane |title = The case for a Putin war crimes trial |url = https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/russia-ukraine-war-updates-trickle-case-trying-vladimir-putin-war-crim-rcna27996 |publisher = NBC News |date = 10 May 2022 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 20 September 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220920200610/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/russia-ukraine-war-updates-trickle-case-trying-vladimir-putin-war-crim-rcna27996 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Johnson: Putin may face war crimes charges |url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2022/feb/24/uk-politics-live-boris-johnson-sanctions-russia-invasion-ukraine-latest-updates?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with:block-6217d52c8f08762827838ae5#block-6217d52c8f08762827838ae5 |access-date = 24 February 2022 |work = The Guardian |archive-date = 25 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220225045929/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2022/feb/24/uk-politics-live-boris-johnson-sanctions-russia-invasion-ukraine-latest-updates?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-6217d52c8f08762827838ae5#block-6217d52c8f08762827838ae5 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Biden calls Putin a 'war criminal' after meeting with troops in Poland |url = https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-calls-putin-war-criminal-meeting-troops-poland/story?id=83670309 |access-date = 26 March 2022 |work = ABC News |archive-date = 26 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220326210451/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-calls-putin-war-criminal-meeting-troops-poland/story?id=83670309 |url-status = live }}</ref> The ] (ICC) stated that ] the possibility of war crimes in Ukraine since late 2013,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Everything you need to know about war crimes and how Putin could be prosecuted |url = https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/03/politics/putin-war-crimes-russia-ukraine-us-what-matters/index.html |access-date = 7 March 2022 |publisher = CNN |archive-date = 9 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220309080701/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/03/politics/putin-war-crimes-russia-ukraine-us-what-matters/index.html |url-status = live }}</ref> and the United States pledged to help the ICC to prosecute Putin and others for war crimes committed during the invasion of Ukraine.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = U.S. looks to assist war crimes prosecutions targeting Russian leaders |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/04/25/russia-ukraine-war-crimes-prosecutions/ |newspaper = The Washington Post |first = Missy |last = Ryan |date = 25 April 2022 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 25 April 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220425211628/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/04/25/russia-ukraine-war-crimes-prosecutions/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In response to these condemnations, Putin put the ]'s ] units on high alert.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Ukraine invasion: Putin puts Russia's nuclear forces on 'special alert' |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60547473 |work = BBC News |date = 28 February 2022 |access-date = 1 March 2022 |archive-date = 14 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220314123310/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60547473 |url-status = live }}</ref> By early March, U.S. intelligence agencies determined that Putin was "frustrated" by slow progress due to an unexpectedly strong Ukrainian defense.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Slow Progress and Fierce Resistance in Ukraine Could Prompt Brutal Russian Offensive |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/01/slow-progress-and-fierce-resistance-in-ukraine-could-prompt-brutal-russian-offensive-a76689 |work = Moscow Times |date = 1 March 2022 |access-date = 1 March 2022 |archive-date = 3 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220303231827/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/01/slow-progress-and-fierce-resistance-in-ukraine-could-prompt-brutal-russian-offensive-a76689 |url-status = live }}</ref>


] with Russian officers on 20 October 2022]]
Though he is not the first world leader to practice judo, Putin is the first leader to move forward into the advanced levels. Currently, Putin is a ] (6th dan) and is best known for his ] (sweeping hip throw). Vladimir Putin earned ] (Soviet and Russian sport title) in ] in 1975 and in ] in 1973. After a state visit to ], Putin was invited to the ] Institute where he showed the students and Japanese officials different judo techniques.<ref name="judo">{{cite web | url=http://www.fightingarts.com/content01/putin.html | title=Presidential Judo | author=Tom Ross | work=FightingArts.com}}</ref>
On 4 March, Putin signed into law a bill introducing ] for those who publish "knowingly false information" about the Russian military and its operations, leading to some ] to stop reporting on Ukraine.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/04/putin-signs-law-introducing-jail-terms-for-fake-news-on-army-a76768 |title = Putin Signs Law Introducing Jail Terms for 'Fake News' on Army |website = Moscow Times |date = 4 March 2022 |archive-date = 14 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220314132340/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/04/putin-signs-law-introducing-jail-terms-for-fake-news-on-army-a76768 |url-status = live }}</ref> On 7 March, as a condition for ending the invasion, the Kremlin demanded Ukraine's ], recognition of ] as Russian territory, and recognition of the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia will stop 'in a moment' if Ukraine meets terms – Kremlin |url = https://www.reuters.com/world/kremlin-says-russian-military-action-will-stop-moment-if-ukraine-meets-2022-03-07/ |work = Reuters |date = 7 March 2022 |access-date = 8 March 2022 |archive-date = 9 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220309093347/https://www.reuters.com/world/kremlin-says-russian-military-action-will-stop-moment-if-ukraine-meets-2022-03-07/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Ukraine's Zelenskiy Says Open to 'Compromise' with Russia on Crimea, Separatist Territories |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/08/ukraines-zelenskiy-says-open-to-compromise-with-russia-on-crimea-separatist-territories-a76821 |work = ] |date = 8 March 2022 |access-date = 11 November 2023 |archive-date = 12 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220312125557/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/08/ukraines-zelenskiy-says-open-to-compromise-with-russia-on-crimea-separatist-territories-a76821 |url-status = live }}</ref> On 8 March Putin promised that no conscripts would be used in the SMO.<ref name="rtr1"></ref> On 16 March, Putin issued a warning to Russian "traitors" who he said the West wanted to use as a "]" to destroy Russia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin warns Russia against pro-Western 'traitors' and scum |url = https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-warns-russia-against-pro-western-traitors-scum-2022-03-16/ |work = Reuters |date = 16 March 2022 |access-date = 16 March 2022 |archive-date = 24 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220324034118/https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-warns-russia-against-pro-western-traitors-scum-2022-03-16/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin says Russia must undergo a 'self-cleansing of society' to purge 'bastards and traitors' as thousands flee the country |url = https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-says-russia-must-undergo-self-cleansing-society-2022-3 |work = Business Insider |date = 16 March 2022 |access-date = 16 March 2022 |archive-date = 22 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220322184001/https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-says-russia-must-undergo-self-cleansing-society-2022-3 |url-status = live }}</ref> Following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Kolesnikov |first1=Andrei |title=Russia's Second, Silent War Against Its Human Capital |url=https://carnegieendowment.org/politika/88983 |work=] |date=8 February 2023 |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-date=25 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525202705/https://carnegieendowment.org/politika/88983 |url-status=live }}</ref> Russia's long-term ] deepened due to ], lower fertility rates and ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Putin's War Escalation Is Hastening Demographic Crash for Russia |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-18/putin-s-war-escalation-is-hastening-demographic-crash-for-russia |work=Bloomberg |date=18 October 2022 |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-date=12 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012065405/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-18/putin-s-war-escalation-is-hastening-demographic-crash-for-russia |url-status=live }}</ref>


As early as 25 March, the UN ] reported that Putin ordered a "kidnapping" policy, whereby Ukrainian nationals who did not cooperate with the Russian takeover of their homeland were victimized by FSB agents.<ref name="mmbbc">{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Murphy |first1 = Matt |last2 = Greenall |first2 = Robert |title = Ukraine War: Civilians abducted as Russia tries to assert control |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60858363 |publisher = BBC |date = 25 March 2022 |access-date = 21 May 2022 |archive-date = 3 April 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220403090420/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60858363 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="voxjk">{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Kirby |first1 = Jen |title = When Russian troops arrived, their relatives disappeared |url = https://www.vox.com/23012456/ukraine-russia-war-disappearances-kidnappings |publisher = Vox Media, LLC |date = 12 April 2022 |access-date = 21 May 2022 |archive-date = 19 May 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220519121602/https://www.vox.com/23012456/ukraine-russia-war-disappearances-kidnappings |url-status = live }}</ref> On 28 March, Ukrainian president ] said he was "99.9 percent sure" that Putin thought the Ukrainians would welcome the invading forces with "flowers and smiles" while he opened the door to negotiations on the offer that Ukraine would henceforth be a ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss neutrality in peace talks with Russia |url=https://www.ft.com/content/c5aa8066-715d-43dd-8a3c-b6907d839a36 |work=Financial Times |date=28 March 2022 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401004201/https://www.ft.com/content/c5aa8066-715d-43dd-8a3c-b6907d839a36 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Putin is also a fan of ], and of famous Russian MMA fighter ]. He attended the ] event in St. Petersburg.{{Fact|date=October 2007}}


On 21 September, Putin announced a ], following a successful ] and the announcement of ] in Russian-].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-signs-decree-mobilisation-says-west-wants-destroy-russia-2022-09-21/ |title = Putin escalates Ukraine war, issues nuclear threat to West |work = ] |date = 21 September 2022 |access-date = 22 September 2022 |archive-date = 7 October 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221007185123/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-signs-decree-mobilisation-says-west-wants-destroy-russia-2022-09-21/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
== Honours ==


]) and 2022 (], ], ], and ]), with a red line marking the area of actual control by Russia on 30 September 2022]]
* In 2001 Germany awarded Vladimir Putin a special class of the Grand Cross ].{{Fact|date=December 2007}}
On 30 September, Putin signed decrees which ] Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts of Ukraine into the Russian Federation. The annexations are ] by the international community and are illegal under international law.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Lawler |first = Dave |date = 30 September 2022 |title = Putin claims 15% of Ukraine is now part of Russia |url = https://www.axios.com/2022/09/30/putin-claims-annexation-four-ukrainian-oblasts |access-date = 30 September 2022 |website = Axios |language = en |archive-date = 4 October 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221004072425/https://www.axios.com/2022/09/30/putin-claims-annexation-four-ukrainian-oblasts |url-status = live }}</ref> On 11 November the same year, Ukraine ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Ukraine liberated Kherson city. Now, Russia is destroying it. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/14/kherson-destroyed-russia-ukraine-liberated/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=14 January 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627200942/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/14/kherson-destroyed-russia-ukraine-liberated/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* In September 2006, France's president ] awarded Vladimir Putin the insignia of ''Grand-Croix'' (Grand Cross) of the ], the highest French decoration, to celebrate his contribution to the friendship between the two countries. This decoration is usually awarded to the heads of state considered as very close to France.<ref></ref>
* On ], ] ] ] awarded Putin the King Abdul Aziz Award, Saudi Arabia's top civilian decoration.<ref> - ]</ref>
* On ], ] ] President ] awarded Putin the Order of Zayed, UAE's top civilian decoration.<ref>{{dead link|date=December 2007}}, Rbc.ru, September 10, 2007</ref>
* In December 2007 Putin was named ] by ], influential and respected Russian business weekly.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}


In December 2022, he said that a war against Ukraine could be a "long process".<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia could be fighting in Ukraine for a long time: Putin |url = https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/7/putin-russian-forces-could-be-fighting-in-ukraine-for-long-time |publisher = Al Jazeera |date = 7 December 2022 |access-date = 16 December 2022 |archive-date = 16 December 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221216104749/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/7/putin-russian-forces-could-be-fighting-in-ukraine-for-long-time |url-status = live }}</ref> Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in the ] since February 2022.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title='Terrible toll': Russia's invasion of Ukraine in numbers |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/terrible-toll-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-in-numbers/ |work=] |date=14 February 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=12 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712061818/https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/terrible-toll-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-in-numbers/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Hussain |first1=Murtaza |title=The War in Ukraine Is Just Getting Started |url=https://theintercept.com/2023/03/09/ukraine-war-russia-iran-iraq/ |work=The Intercept |date=9 March 2023 |access-date=27 March 2023 |archive-date=18 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518234805/https://theintercept.com/2023/03/09/ukraine-war-russia-iran-iraq/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2023, Putin cited recognition of Russia's sovereignty over the annexed territories as a condition for ] with Ukraine.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Putin Signals Readiness for Peace Talks if Kyiv Cedes Occupied Regions |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/01/05/putin-signals-readiness-for-peace-talks-if-kyiv-cedes-occupied-regions-a79877 |work=The Moscow Times |date=5 January 2023 |access-date=24 March 2023 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324094745/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/01/05/putin-signals-readiness-for-peace-talks-if-kyiv-cedes-occupied-regions-a79877 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Anecdotes ==
:''See also: ]''


On 20–22 March 2023, Chinese president ] visited Russia and ] both in official and unofficial capacity.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Xi, Putin meeting highlights US tensions with China |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/xi-putin-meeting-highlights-us-tensions-china/story?id=97997247 |work=ABC News |date=21 March 2023 |access-date=24 March 2023 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324103055/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/xi-putin-meeting-highlights-us-tensions-china/story?id=97997247 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the first international meeting of Vladimir Putin since the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last=Gan |first=Nectar |date=20 March 2023 |title=Xi makes 'journey of friendship' to Moscow days after Putin's war crime warrant issued |language=en |work=] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/20/china/china-xi-putin-russia-visit-analysis-intl-hnk-mic/index.html |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321195643/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/20/china/china-xi-putin-russia-visit-analysis-intl-hnk-mic/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*In a transcript<ref name="nbc-interview-2006">{{cite web
] to Moscow, 21 March 2023.]]
|url= http://kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2006/07/12/1443_type82916_108525.shtml
In May 2023, South Africa announced that it would grant diplomatic immunity to Vladimir Putin to attend the ] in Johannesburg despite the ICC arrest warrant.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=30 May 2023 |title=South Africa moves to let Putin attend BRICS summit despite ICC arrest warrant over Ukraine war |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/south-africa-vladimir-putin-icc-arrest-warrant-ukraine-war-brics-immunity/ |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US |access-date=16 June 2023 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616001351/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/south-africa-vladimir-putin-icc-arrest-warrant-ukraine-war-brics-immunity/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2023, South African president ] announced that Putin would not attend the summit "by mutual agreement" and would instead send Foreign Minister ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Russian President Vladimir Putin evades arrest warrant by skipping BRICS summit in South Africa |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-putin-brics-summit-south-africa/ |work=The Globe and Mail |date=19 July 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901035615/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-putin-brics-summit-south-africa/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|title=Interview with NBC Television Channel (USA)
] in St. Petersburg on 17 June 2023]]
|date=July 12, 2006}}</ref> published on ], ], Putin is reported to have responded to U.S. Vice President ]'s political criticism by saying, "I think the statements of your Vice-President of this sort are the same as an ]."<ref name="nbc-interview-2006"/><ref>{{cite web
In July 2023, Putin threatened to take "reciprocal action" if Ukraine used US-supplied ]s during a ] against Russian forces in occupied southeastern Ukraine.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin threatens cluster bomb retaliation if weapons used against Russian forces |url=https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-vladimir-putin-threatens-cluster-bomb-retaliation-if-weapons-used-against-russian-forces-12921775 |work=Sky News |date=16 July 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=23 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723072814/https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-vladimir-putin-threatens-cluster-bomb-retaliation-if-weapons-used-against-russian-forces-12921775 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 July 2023, Putin withdrew from a deal that allowed Ukraine to ] despite a wartime blockade,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Putin tightens grip on Africa after killing Black Sea grain deal |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/africa-beholden-to-russia-after-vladimir-putin-kills-black-sea-grain-deal-ukraine/ |work=Politico |date=19 July 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831120649/https://www.politico.eu/article/africa-beholden-to-russia-after-vladimir-putin-kills-black-sea-grain-deal-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}</ref> risking deepening the ] and antagonizing neutral countries in the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=By pulling out of the Ukrainian grain deal, Russia risks alienating its few remaining partners |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-grain-turkey-syria-ac5c945990c2c53eeca37e642ab6c5a7 |work=AP News |date=21 July 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=12 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012044738/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-grain-turkey-syria-ac5c945990c2c53eeca37e642ab6c5a7 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|url= http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2266739,00.html
|title=Putin has fun with Cheney hunting accident}}</ref> U.S. President George W. Bush later remarked that the comment was "pretty clever, actually, quite humorous."{{Fact|date=December 2007}}
*In response to Bush's closing remarks during the press conference at the ] held in July of 2006, concerning accusations about the decline of democracy in modern Russia, when Bush said that Iraq is a good example to follow, Putin stated, "We certainly would not want to have the same kind of democracy as they have in Iraq, I will tell you quite honestly."<ref>{{cite web
|url= http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2006/07/15/1636_type82914type82915_108744.shtml
|title=Press Conference Following Talks with U.S. President George W. Bush
|date=July 15, 2006}}</ref>
*Among many Russian circles is a joke that President Putin grapples with bears for sport and to prove his might as a leader. This is believed to stem from the aforementioned pictures released of a Putin took part in where he was photographed shirtless.
*At a press conference on ], ] Putin was asked for his opinion on homosexuality in the midst of a row over the decision by ] ] ] to ban a gay rights parade in Moscow. Putin said: "My approach toward gay parades and sexual minorities is very simple. It is directly linked to my responsibilities. One of the key problems of our country is the demographic problem." After the audience burst out in laughter, Putin added, "I respect the freedom of people in all respects."<ref>, February 1, 2007</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://gaycitynews.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18352281&BRD=2729&PAG=461&dept_id=569346&rfi=6
|title= Moscow Pride Banned Again}}</ref>
*In an oft-reported incident in ], Putin, in a "spontaneous show of affection," kissed a little boy on the stomach. There was a slight interest in the subject by Western Media, and the subject became a popular joke for many on the internet who did not feel especially favorable to Putin


On 27–28 July, Putin hosted the ] in St. Petersburg,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Wolff |first1=Stefan |title=Russia-Africa summit: Putin offers unconvincing giveaways in a desperate bid to make up for killing the Ukraine grain deal |url=https://theconversation.com/russia-africa-summit-putin-offers-unconvincing-giveaways-in-a-desperate-bid-to-make-up-for-killing-the-ukraine-grain-deal-210330 |work=The Conversation |date=28 July 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731063859/https://theconversation.com/russia-africa-summit-putin-offers-unconvincing-giveaways-in-a-desperate-bid-to-make-up-for-killing-the-ukraine-grain-deal-210330 |url-status=live }}</ref> which was attended by delegations from more than 40 African countries.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Putin meets Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed |url=https://www.africanews.com/2023/07/26/putin-meets-ethiopian-pm-abiy-ahmed/ |work=Africanews |date=26 July 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=10 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810162823/https://www.africanews.com/2023/07/26/putin-meets-ethiopian-pm-abiy-ahmed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As of August 2023, the total number of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers ] during the Russian invasion of Ukraine was nearly 500,000.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date=18 August 2023 |title=Troop Deaths and Injuries in Ukraine War Near 500,000, U.S. Officials Say |work=The New York Times |language=en |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/18/us/politics/ukraine-russia-war-casualties.html |last1=Cooper |first1=Helene |last2=Gibbons-Neff |first2=Thomas |last3=Schmitt |first3=Eric |last4=Barnes |first4=Julian E. |access-date=3 September 2023 |archive-date=3 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903175102/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/18/us/politics/ukraine-russia-war-casualties.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Key speeches==
*During his terms in office Putin has made to the ], speaking on the situation in Russia and on guidelines of the internal and foreign policy of the State (as prescribed in ). The 2007 election campaign of the ] party went under the slogan "Putin's Plan: Russia's Victory". When asked on the "Putin's plan", Vladimir Putin said the last five Addresses contained some key parts "devoted to the state’s medium-term development", and "if all these key ideas were put together to build a coherent system, it can become the country's development plan in the medium-term". <ref>, September 2007, Kremlin. Ru</ref>


Putin condemned the ] that sparked the ] and said Israel had a right to defend itself, but also criticized Israel's response and said Israel should not ] the ] in the way Nazi Germany ]. Putin suggested that Russia could be a mediator in the conflict.<ref>Cullison, Alan. . ]. Retrieved on 15 October 2023</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news|| url=https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-israeli-ground-operation-gaza-will-result-civilian-losses-2023-10-13/| title= Putin cautions Israel against using tactics in Gaza like Nazi siege of Leningrad| date= 13 October 2023|work=Reuters}}</ref> Putin blamed the war on the United States' failed ] and expressed concern over the suffering of Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Russia's Putin tries to use Gaza war to his geopolitical advantage |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/russias-putin-sees-political-economic-upside-israels-war-with-hamas-2023-11-17/ |work=Reuters |date=17 November 2023}}</ref> In a December 2023 call between Israeli prime minister ] and Putin, Netanyahu expressed displeasure over Russia's conduct at the United Nations and described its growing ] as dangerous.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Netanyahu tells Putin: Your cooperation with Iran is dangerous |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-777415 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=10 December 2023}}</ref>
==References and notes==
<div style="height: 300px; overflow: auto; padding: 3px; border:1px solid #AAAAAA; reflist4" >
{{reflist|3}}
</div>


On 22 November 2023, Putin claimed that Russia was always "ready for talks" to end the "tragedy" of the war in Ukraine, and accused the Ukrainian leadership of rejecting ] with Russia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Putin calls war a 'tragedy'; Moscow claims Ukraine is seeing 'colossal losses' after crossing river |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/22/ukraine-war-live-updates-latest-news-on-russia-and-the-war-in-ukraine.html |work=CNBC |date=22 November 2023}}</ref> However, on 14 December 2023, Putin said, "there will only be peace in Ukraine when we achieve our aims", which he said are "de-Nazification, de-militarization and a neutral status" of Ukraine.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Putin: No Peace in Ukraine Until Russia Achieves Goals |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/putin-no-peace-in-ukraine-until-russia-achieves-goals-/7397708.html |work=VOA News |date=14 December 2023}}</ref> On 23 December 2023, ''The New York Times'' reported that Putin has been signaling through intermediaries since at least September 2022 that "he is open to a ceasefire that freezes the fighting along the current lines".<ref name="NYTimes-2023-12-23">{{cite news |title=Putin Quietly Signals He Is Open to a Cease-Fire in Ukraine |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/23/world/europe/putin-russia-ukraine-war-cease-fire.html |work=The New York Times |date=23 December 2023}}</ref>
== External links ==
] in Nice, France, 27 February 2022]]


==== ICC arrest warrant ====
{{wikiquote}}
{{Main|International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Russian figures}}
{{commons}}
{{See also|International Criminal Court investigation in Ukraine|Child abductions in the Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
*
] in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on 3 September 2024. ] was the first ] to openly defy the court's arrest warrant for Putin.]]
* at the official .
*Artiom Malgin, Jaroslav Skvortsov, Alexandr Tchechevishnikov (Moscow State Institute of International Relations, MGIMO); published by the Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies, Warsaw: , XV Economic Forum Krynica 7-10 September, 2005
*, in ], March 2005 (may require subscription)
*, in ] by Nicolai N. Petro, February 2007
*
*{{dead link|date=December 2007}} with the President, ], ] ().
*
*
*
*
*
*, by Nick P. Walsh
*
*
*{{cite news|first= |last= |author=] |url= http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/05/11/opinion/edlieven.php|title=Putin versus Cheney |work= |publisher= International Herald Tribune|pages= |page= |date=May 11, 2006 |accessdate= }}
* by ], ], ], ]
*, by ], ], ], ]
*, by ], ], September 12, 2007
* by ] and ], ], December 11, 2007
* By ] ] February 22, 2008. Issue 3848. Page 1.


On 17 March 2023, the ] issued a ],<ref name="issues_warrant_2023_03_17_reuters"> 17 March 2023, ], retrieved 18 March 2023</ref><ref name="Khan_statement_Putin_LvovaBelova_17March2023">{{cite Q|Q117194521}}</ref><ref name="situation_2023_03_17_icc"> 17 March 2023, ], retrieved 18 March 2023</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1=Hofmański|first1=Piotr|author1-link=Piotr Hofmański|title=ICC arrest warrants in the situation of Ukraine: Statement by President Piotr Hofmański|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbKhCAaRLfc|publisher=] |website=youtube.com |language=en |format=video |date=17 March 2023}}</ref> alleging that Putin held criminal responsibility in the ] during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Corder |first1=Mike |last2=Casert |first2=Raf |date=17 March 2023 |title=ICC issues arrest warrant for Putin over Ukraine war crimes |work=] |url=https://apnews.com/article/icc-putin-war-crimes-ukraine-9857eb68d827340394960eccf0589253|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317153603/https://apnews.com/article/icc-putin-war-crimes-ukraine-9857eb68d827340394960eccf0589253|archive-date= 17 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last=Michaels |first=Daniel |date=17 March 2023 |title=U.N. Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Russia's Putin And Another Kremlin Official |work=] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-n-court-issues-arrest-warrant-for-russias-putin-and-another-kremlin-official-d3b9cb8e?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last=Fowler|first=Sarah |date=17 March 2023|title= "No excuse to deport children to Russia, says ICC prosecutor," |publisher=]|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-64994087|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20230317212759/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-64994087|archive-date= 17 March 2023}}</ref>
{{start box}}
{{s-off}}
{{Succession box
| before = None
| title = Head of the Committee for External Relations of the ] City Administration
| years = 1991 – 1996
| after = ]
}}
{{Succession box
| before = ]
| title = Chief of the Control Directorate of the ]
| years = 1997 – 1998
| after = ]
}}
{{Succession box
| before = ]
| title = ]
| years = 1998 – 1999
| after = ]
}}
{{Succession box
| before = ]
| title = Secretary of the ]
| years = 1999
| after = ]
}}
{{Succession box
| before = ]
| title = ]
| years = 1999 – 2000
| after = ]
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{{Succession box
| before = ]
| title = ]
| years = 2000 – <br /> <small> '''Acting: 1999 &ndash; 2000 <br /> Term ended in 2008''' </small>
| after = ]<br><small>Elect</small>
}}
{{s-bef|before=]<br><small>]</small>}}
{{s-ttl|title=]|years=2006}}
{{s-aft|after=]<br><small>]</small>}}
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It was the first time that the ICC had issued an arrest warrant for the head of state of one of the five ],<ref name="issues_warrant_2023_03_17_reuters" /> (the world's five principal nuclear powers).<ref name="nuclear_powers">, page 326, Chapter 10: "World nuclear forces", ''Military Spending and Armaments, 2019,'' ] (SIPRI), retrieved 18 March 2023</ref>
{{RussianPresidents}}
{{RussianPMs}}
{{G8 Leaders}}
{{Chechen wars}}
{{Time Persons of the Year 2001-2025}}


The ICC simultaneously issued an arrest warrant for ], Commissioner for Children's Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation. Both are charged with:
{{Persondata
<blockquote>:...the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation,...<ref name="situation_2023_03_17_icc" />
|NAME= Putin, Vladimir
...for their publicized program, since 24 February 2022, of forced deportations of thousands of unaccompanied Ukrainian children to Russia, from areas of eastern Ukraine under Russian control.<ref name="issues_warrant_2023_03_17_reuters" /><ref name="situation_2023_03_17_icc" /> </blockquote>
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=

|SHORT DESCRIPTION= 2nd ]
Russia has maintained that the deportations were humanitarian efforts to protect orphans and other children abandoned in the conflict region.<ref name="issues_warrant_2023_03_17_reuters" />
|DATE OF BIRTH= ] ]

|PLACE OF BIRTH= ], ]
==== 2023 Wagner rebellion ====
|DATE OF DEATH=
{{Main|Wagner Group rebellion}}
|PLACE OF DEATH=

]
On 23 June 2023, the ], a Russian paramilitary organization, ] against the ]. The revolt arose amidst escalating tensions between the ] and ], the leader of Wagner.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last=Bryant |first=Miranda |date=24 June 2023 |title=Wagner mutiny: how the world reacted |language=en-GB |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/24/wagner-mutiny-how-the-world-reacted |access-date=24 June 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

Prigozhin portrayed the rebellion as a response to an alleged attack on his forces by the ministry.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Osborn |first1=Andrew |last2=Liffey |first2=Kevin |date=24 June 2023 |title=Russia accuses mercenary boss of mutiny after he says Moscow killed 2,000 of his men |language=en |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-mercenary-boss-says-moscows-war-ukraine-based-lies-2023-06-23/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623173129/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-mercenary-boss-says-moscows-war-ukraine-based-lies-2023-06-23/ |archive-date=23 June 2023}}</ref><ref name="tmt2">{{#invoke:cite web||last1=Tubridy |first1=Mack |last2=Kozlov |first2=Pyotr |last3=Berkhead |first3=Samantha |date=24 June 2023 |title=Prigozhin Charged With 'Inciting Armed Revolt' After Vowing to Stop 'Evil' Military Leadership |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/06/23/prigozhin-charged-with-inciting-armed-revolt-after-vowing-to-stop-evil-military-leadership-a81615 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623225351/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/06/23/prigozhin-charged-with-inciting-armed-revolt-after-vowing-to-stop-evil-military-leadership-a81615 |archive-date=23 June 2023 |access-date=24 June 2023 |website=]}}</ref> He dismissed the government's justification for ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last=Rosenberg |first=Steve |date=23 June 2023 |title=Yevgeny Prigozhin: Wagner chief blames war on defence minister |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-65996531 |url-status=live |access-date=24 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623210158/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-65996531 |archive-date=23 June 2023}}</ref> blamed Defense Minister ] for the country's military shortcomings,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last=Sauer |first=Pjotr |date=23 June 2023 |title=Russia investigates Wagner chief for 'armed mutiny' after call for attack on military |language=en-GB |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/23/wagner-chief-accuses-russias-military-of-attack-and-says-evil-leadership-must-be-stopped |url-status=live |access-date=24 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624004806/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/23/wagner-chief-accuses-russias-military-of-attack-and-says-evil-leadership-must-be-stopped |archive-date=24 June 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> and accused him of waging the war for the benefit of ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last=Dress |first=Brad |date=23 June 2023 |title=Wagner chief says Russia's war in Ukraine intended to benefit elites, accuses Moscow of lying |language=en-US |work=] |url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4064431-wagner-chief-says-russias-war-in-ukraine-intended-to-benefit-elites-accuses-moscow-of-lying/ |access-date=24 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date=23 June 2023 |title=Wagner chief rejects Putin's accusations of treason |language=en |work=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/23/russian-authorities-launch-criminal-probe-into-wagner-group |access-date=24 June 2023}}</ref> In a televised address on 24 June, Russian president Vladimir Putin denounced Wagner's actions as ] and pledged to quell the rebellion.<ref name="tmt2" /><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=24 June 2023 |title=Путин назвал мятеж Пригожина "предательством" и "изменой" |trans-title=Putin calls Prigozhin's rebellion "betrayal" and "treason" |url=https://meduza.io/news/2023/06/24/putin-nazval-myatezh-prigozhina-predatelstvom-i-izmenoy |access-date=24 June 2023 |website=] |language=ru}}</ref>

Prigozhin's forces seized control of ] and the ] headquarters and advanced towards Moscow in an armored column.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date=24 June 2023 |title=Rebel Russian mercenaries turn back short of Moscow 'to avoid bloodshed' |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/wagner-head-suggests-his-mercenaries-headed-moscow-take-army-leadership-2023-06-24/ |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=24 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624070212/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/wagner-head-suggests-his-mercenaries-headed-moscow-take-army-leadership-2023-06-24/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Following negotiations with Belarusian president ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last=Seddon |first=Max |date=24 June 2023 |title=Belarus claims deal with Prigozhin to end advance on Moscow |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9cd09366-25db-4057-a41d-0ea04b659d97#post-afe02cd3-667f-458f-a4dd-52a3a5133bb8 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624105349/https://www.ft.com/content/9cd09366-25db-4057-a41d-0ea04b659d97#post-afe02cd3-667f-458f-a4dd-52a3a5133bb8 |archive-date=24 June 2023 |access-date=24 June 2023 |website=]}}</ref> Prigozhin agreed to stand down<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1=Seddon |first1=Max |last2=Ivanova |first2=Polina |date=24 June 2023 |title=Prigozhin says Wagner has agreed to stand down |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9cd09366-25db-4057-a41d-0ea04b659d97#post-e5d60873-da90-4116-a3f7-fe859734f2ca |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624105349/https://www.ft.com/content/9cd09366-25db-4057-a41d-0ea04b659d97#post-e5d60873-da90-4116-a3f7-fe859734f2ca |archive-date=24 June 2023 |access-date=24 June 2023 |website=]}}</ref> and, late on 24 June, began withdrawing from Rostov-on-Don.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url=https://www.politico.eu/article/wagner-fighters-leaving-rostov-and-voronezh-after-aborted-mutiny/|title=Wagner fighters leaving Rostov and Voronezh after aborted mutiny|work=]|date=25 June 2023}}</ref>

On 23 August 2023, exactly two months after the rebellion, Prigozhin was killed along with nine other people when ] in ], north of Moscow.<ref name="FearedDeadBBC">{{#invoke:cite news||title=Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin presumed dead after Russia plane crash |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66599733 |access-date=23 August 2023 |publisher=BBC News|first1=Frank|last1=Gardner|first2=Robert|last2=Greenall|first3=Jaroslav|last3=Lukiv |date=23 August 2023 |archive-date=23 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823171520/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66599733 |url-status=live}}</ref> Western intelligence reported that the crash was probably caused by an explosion on board, and it is widely suspected that the Russian state were involved.<ref name="Troianovski_Barnes_Schmitt_8/24/2023">{{#invoke:cite web|| last1=Troianovski | first1=Anton | last2=Barnes | first2=Julian E | last3=Schmitt | first3=Eric | title='It's Likely Prigozhin Was Killed,' Pentagon Says | website=] | date=24 August 2023 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/08/24/world/prigozhin-russia-ukraine-news/heres-the-latest-on-the-crash | access-date=27 August 2023 | archive-date=27 August 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827103203/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/08/24/world/prigozhin-russia-ukraine-news/heres-the-latest-on-the-crash | url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2024–present: Fifth presidential term ===
{{See also|Vladimir Putin 2024 presidential campaign}}
]]]
] in Hanoi, Vietnam, 20 June 2024]]
] in ], Russia, 24 October 2024]]
Putin won the ] with 88.48% of the vote. International observers did not consider the election to be either ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Alexei Navalny: Widow urges Russians to protest on election day |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68479832 |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=BBC News |date=6 March 2024 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315124841/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68479832 |url-status=live }}</ref> with Putin having increased political repressions after launching his ] in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roth |first1=Andrew |last2=Sauer |first2=Pjotr |title=A forever war, more repression, Putin for life? Russia's bleak post-election outlook |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/15/a-forever-war-more-repression-vladimir-putin-for-life-russias-bleak-post-election-outlook |work=The Guardian |date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318054303/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/15/a-forever-war-more-repression-vladimir-putin-for-life-russias-bleak-post-election-outloo|archive-date=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref name="tmt-87.28">{{cite news |title=Putin Wins 87.28% of Votes With All Ballots Counted – Election Officials |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/03/18/putin-wins-8728-of-votes-with-all-ballots-counted-election-officials-a84515 |work=The Moscow Times |date=18 March 2024 |language=en |access-date=19 March 2024 |archive-date=19 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319032009/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/03/18/putin-wins-8728-of-votes-with-all-ballots-counted-election-officials-a84515 |url-status=live }}</ref> The elections were also held in the ].<ref name="tmt-87.28"/> There were reports of ], including ] and coercion,<ref>Robyn Dixon, Siobhán O'Grady, David L. Stern, Serhii Korolchuk and Serhiy Morgunov, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317041955/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/16/putin-election-voting-gunpoint-occupied-ukraine/ |date=17 March 2024 }}, ''Washington Post;'' (16 March 2024).</ref> with statistical analysis suggesting unprecedented levels of fraud in the 2024 elections.<ref>{{cite news |title=At least 22 million fake votes cast for Putin in presidential election |url=https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2024/03/19/at-least-22-million-fake-votes-cast-for-putin-in-presidential-election-en-news |work=] |date=19 March 2024}}</ref><ref name="Le Monde">{{cite news |title=The extent of fraud in Russia's presidential election begins to emerge |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/03/20/the-extent-of-fraud-in-russia-s-presidential-election-begins-to-emerge_6638830_4.html |work=] |date=20 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Putin 2024 - Meduza breaks down the evidence pointing to the most fraudulent elections in modern Russian history |url=https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/21/putin-2024 |work=] |date=20 March 2024}}</ref>

On 22 March 2024, the ] took place, causing the deaths of at least 145 people and injuring at least 551 more.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2024 |title=Death toll from concert hall attack in Russia's Moscow region rises to 144 |website=AA |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/death-toll-from-concert-hall-attack-in-russia-s-moscow-region-rises-to-144/3178519}}</ref><ref name="360-injured">{{cite news |title=Number of Wounded in Crocus City Hall Attack Rises to 360 |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/03/27/number-of-wounded-in-crocus-city-hall-attack-rises-to-360-a84642 |access-date=27 March 2024 |publisher=The Moscow Times |date=27 March 2024 |archive-date=27 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327130616/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/03/27/number-of-wounded-in-crocus-city-hall-attack-rises-to-360-a84642 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the deadliest terrorist attack on Russian soil since the ] in 2004.<ref name="Belam-2024">{{cite news |last=Belam |first=Martin |date=23 March 2024 |title=Moscow concert hall attack: Putin tells Russians Ukraine linked to attack which killed 115, claims denied by Kyiv officials – live updates |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/23/moscow-concert-attack-crocus-city-hall-shooting-russia-live-updates |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323093345/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/23/moscow-concert-attack-crocus-city-hall-shooting-russia-live-updates |archive-date=23 March 2024 |access-date=23 March 2024 |work=the Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/vladimir-putin-autocrat-election-terrorism/|title=Putin the autocrat comes of age|date=30 March 2024|first=Eva|last=Hartog|website=Politico}}</ref>

On 7 May 2024, Putin ] for the fifth time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vladimir Putin Takes Oath as President of Russia for Record Fifth Time (Watch Video) |url=https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/vladimir-putin-takes-oath-as-president-of-russia-for-record-fifth-time-watch-video-a517/|website=Lokmat Times|access-date=7 May 2024}}</ref> According to analysts, replacing Sergei Shoigu with ] as defense minister signals that Putin wants to transform the Russian economy into a ] and is "preparing for many more years of war".<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine war: Putin's choice of new defense chief reveals strategy ahead of summer offensive |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ruble-bullet-vladimir-putin-put-economist-andrei-belousov-charge-military-sergei-shoigu/ |work=Politico |date=13 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Andrei Belousov: Putin picks trusted technocrat to run defence ministry |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/14/andrei-belousov-putin-picks-trusted-technocrat-to-run-defence-ministry |work=The Guardian |date=14 May 2024}}</ref> In May 2024, four Russian sources told Reuters that Putin was ready to end the war in Ukraine with a negotiated ceasefire that would recognize Russia's war gains and ] on current front lines, as Putin wanted to avoid unpopular steps such as further nationwide ] and increased war spending.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vladimir Putin ready to 'freeze' war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say |url=https://news.sky.com/story/vladimir-putin-ready-to-freeze-war-in-ukraine-with-ceasefire-recognising-recent-russian-gains-sources-say-13142402 |work=Sky News |date=24 May 2024}}</ref>

On 2 August 2024, Putin pardoned American journalist ], opposition figures ], ] and others in a ] with western countries.<ref name="f24">{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwJPJR3LfwI | title=Putin's ominous message: 'We can kill people in broad daylight in EU, we'll take care of our people' | date=2 August 2024 }}</ref><ref name="tg1">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/02/kremlin-admits-vadim-krasikov-is-an-russian-state-assassin |title=Kremlin admits Vadim Krasikov is a Russian state assassin |newspaper=The Guardian |date=2 August 2024 |last1=Walker |first1=Shaun |last2=Cole |first2=Deborah }}</ref><ref name="rfe1">{{cite news |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-prisoner-swap-terrorism-espionage-putin/33061336.html |title=Beyond the Elation, Putin's Prisoner Swap Has Ominous Implications |newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=3 August 2024 |last1=Coalson |first1=Robert }}</ref> The ] was the most extensive prisoner exchange between Russia and United States since the end of the Cold War, involving the release of twenty-six people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-01 |title=Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet history |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-gershkovich-whelan-prisoner-swap-354df585ad321ecdbea4c0f2c557f0aa |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=AP News |quote=The U.S. and Russia on Thursday completed their largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history... |archive-date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802233705/https://apnews.com/article/russia-gershkovich-whelan-prisoner-swap-354df585ad321ecdbea4c0f2c557f0aa |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 25 September 2024, Putin warned the West that if attacked with conventional weapons Russia would consider a ],<ref>{{cite news |title=The Unthinkable: What Nuclear War In Europe Would Look Like |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/nuclear-war-europe-russia-ukraine/33137063.html |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=27 September 2024}}</ref> in an apparent deviation from the ] doctrine.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Vladimir Putin warns west he will consider using nuclear weapons |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/25/vladimir-putin-warns-west-nuclear-weapons |work=The Guardian |first= Pjotr |last= Sauer |date= 2024-09-25 |access-date=2024-09-26}}</ref> Putin went on to threaten nuclear powers that if they supported another country's attack on Russia, then they would be considered participants in such an aggression.<ref>{{cite news |title=Putin's nuclear red line: Does he actually mean it? |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/putins-nuclear-read-line-does-he-actually-mean-it/ |work=] |date=27 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Putin's nuclear threats: empty rhetoric or a shift in battlefield strategy? |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240927-vladimir-putin-nuclear-weapons-declaration-more-than-an-empty-threat-ukraine-nato-us-war |work=] |date=27 September 2024}}</ref> Russia and the United States are the world's biggest ], holding about 88% of the world's ]s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Putin outlines new rules for Russian use of vast nuclear arsenal |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/26/putin-outlines-new-rules-for-russian-use-of-vast-nuclear-arsenal |work=Al Jazeera |date=26 September 2024}}</ref> Putin has made several implicit ] since the outbreak of war against Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |title=The US tests Putin's nuclear threats in Ukraine |url=https://www.vox.com/world-politics/353796/us-weapons-ukraine-russia-putin-escalation-nuclear |work=Vox |date=5 January 2024}}</ref> Experts say Putin's announcement is aimed at dissuading the United States, the United Kingdom and France from allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range missiles such as the ] and ] in ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Putin lowers bar for nuclear strike amid Ukraine attacks: Why it matters |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/26/putin-lowers-bar-for-nuclear-strike-amid-ukraine-attacks-why-it-matters |work=Al Jazeera |date=26 September 2024}}</ref>

== Domestic policies ==
{{Main|Domestic policy of Vladimir Putin}}
{{See also|Freedom of assembly in Russia|Media freedom in Russia|Internet censorship in Russia}}
{{Further|2011–2013 Russian protests|2017–2018 Russian protests|Bolotnaya Square case}}

Putin's domestic policies, particularly early in his first presidency, were aimed at creating a vertical ]. On 13 May 2000, he issued a decree organizing the 89 ] into seven administrative ] and appointed a presidential envoy responsible for each of those districts (whose official title is Plenipotentiary Representative).<ref>{{cite book |author1 = World Freedom Foundation |title = Vladimir Putin – Direct Speech Without Cuts |date = 2015 |isbn = 978-1-329-39092-8 |page = 44 |publisher = Lulu.com |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=AjAyCgAAQBAJ }}</ref>

] for administrative purposes. In January 2010, the 8th ] (shown here in purple) was split from the ]. In March 2014, the new 9th ] was formed after the ]. In July 2016, it was incorporated into the Southern Federal District.]]

According to ], under the presidency of Putin, Russia made it clear that it had no intention of establishing a "second edition" of the American or British political system, but rather a system that was closer to Russia's own traditions and circumstances.<ref>{{cite book |last1 = White |first1 = Stephen |editor1-first = Stephen |editor1-last = White |title = Developments in Russian Politics 7 |year = 2010 |publisher = Palgrave Macmillan |location = New York |isbn = 978-0-230-22449-0 |chapter = Classifying Russia's Politics }}</ref> Some commentators have described Putin's administration as a "]".<ref>{{harv|Sakwa|2008|pp= 42–43}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1 = Okara |first1 = Andrei |title = Sovereign Democracy: A New Russian Idea Or a PR Project? |journal = Russia in Global Affairs |date = July–September 2007 |volume = 5 |issue = 3 |url = http://kms2.isn.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/RESSpecNet/39702/ichaptersection_singledocument/576378B1-E97E-4EC1-9894-FB6F430EA76E/en/02+Sover+Democracy.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160410080227/http://kms2.isn.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/RESSpecNet/39702/ichaptersection_singledocument/576378B1-E97E-4EC1-9894-FB6F430EA76E/en/02+Sover+Democracy.pdf |archive-date = 10 April 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1 = Petrov |first1 = Nikolai |title = From Managed Democracy to Sovereign Democracy |date = December 2005 |url = https://www.gwu.edu/~ieresgwu/assets/docs/ponars/pm_0396.pdf |publisher = Center for Political-Geographic Research |access-date = 28 March 2016 |archive-date = 11 October 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171011165345/https://www2.gwu.edu/~ieresgwu/assets/docs/ponars/pm_0396.pdf |url-status = dead }}</ref> According to the proponents of that description (primarily ]), the government's actions and policies ought above all to enjoy popular support within Russia itself and not be directed or influenced from outside the country.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.edinros.ru/news.html?id=111148 |title = Sovereignty is a Political Synonym of Competitiveness |last = Surkov |first = Vladislav |date = 7 February 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080212215743/http://www.edinros.ru/news.html?id=111148 |archive-date = 12 February 2008 |url-status = dead |access-date = 18 August 2016 }}</ref>

The practice of the system is characterized by Swedish economist ] as manual management, commenting: "After Putin resumed the presidency in 2012, his rule is best described as 'manual management' as the Russians like to put it. Putin does whatever he wants, with little consideration to the consequences with one important caveat. During the Russian financial crash of August 1998, Putin learned that financial crises are politically destabilizing and must be avoided at all costs. Therefore, he cares about financial stability."<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/the-illusions-of-putin-s-russia |title = The Illusions of Putin's Russia |last = Åslund |first = Anders |website = Atlantic Council |date = 6 May 2019 |access-date = 16 June 2019 }}</ref>

The period after 2012 saw mass protests against the falsification of elections, censorship and toughening of free assembly laws. In July 2000, according to a law proposed by Putin and approved by the ], Putin gained the right to dismiss the heads of the 89 federal subjects. In 2004, the direct election of those ] by popular vote was replaced with a system whereby they would be nominated by the president and approved or disapproved by regional legislatures.<ref>Lynch, Dov (2005). . '']'' 81 (1), 141–161.</ref><ref>, '']'', 13 September 2004.</ref>

This was seen by Putin as a necessary move to stop separatist tendencies and get rid of those governors who were connected with organised crime.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://radiovesti.ru/articles/2011-12-15/fm/24575 |title = Президентское фильтрование губернаторов оценили политики |publisher = Radiovesti.ru |access-date = 7 May 2012 |archive-date = 24 February 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130224031439/http://radiovesti.ru/articles/2011-12-15/fm/24575 |url-status = dead }}</ref> This and other government actions effected under Putin's presidency have been criticized by many independent Russian media outlets and Western commentators as anti-democratic.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Kramer |first = Andrew E. |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/world/europe/22russia.html?pagewanted=print |title = 50% Good News Is the Bad News in Russian Radio |location = Russia |work = The New York Times |date = 22 April 2007 |access-date = 24 September 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||author1 = Masha Lipman |author2 = Anders Aslund |url = http://www.carnegieendowment.org/events/index.cfm?fa=eventDetail&id=745 |title = Russian Media Criticism of Vladimir Putin: Evidence and Significance |newspaper = Carnegie Endowment for International Peace |publisher = Carnegieendowment.org |date = 2 December 2004 |access-date = 2 March 2010 }}</ref>

During his first term in office, Putin opposed some of the Yeltsin-era ]s, as well as his political opponents, resulting in the exile or imprisonment of such people as ], ], and ]; other oligarchs such as ] and ] are friends and allies with Putin.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.forbes.com/profile/arkady-rotenberg/ |title = Arkady Rotenberg |work = Forbes |year = 2013 |access-date = 23 December 2013 }}</ref> Putin succeeded in codifying land law and tax law and promulgated new codes on labor, administrative, criminal, commercial and civil procedural law.<ref name="sharlet">{{cite book |last = Sharlet |first = Robert |title = Developments in Russian Politics |editor = White |editor2 = Gitelman |editor3 = Sakwa |publisher = Duke University Press |year = 2005 |volume = 6 |chapter = In Search of the Rule of Law |isbn = 978-0-8223-3522-1 }}</ref> Under Medvedev's presidency, Putin's government implemented some key reforms in the area of state security, the ] and the ].<ref>{{Cite book |last = Main, John. |title = Russia country study guide : army and national. |date = 2009 |publisher = Intl Business Pubns Usa |isbn = 978-1-4387-4042-3 |location = |oclc = 946230798 }}</ref>

=== Economic, industrial, and energy policies ===
{{See also|Economy of Russia|Energy policy of Russia|Great Recession in Russia|Russian financial crisis (2014–2016)|Economic impact of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
]]]

], when talking about Putin's economic policy, divided it into four distinct periods: the "reform" years of his first term (1999–2003); the "statist" years of his second term (2004—the first half of 2008); the world economic crisis and recovery (the second half of 2008–2013); and the Russo-Ukrainian War, Russia's growing isolation from the global economy, and stagnation (2014–present).<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Guriyev |first = Sergey |author-link = Sergei Guriev |date = 16 August 2019 |title = 20 Years of Vladimir Putin: The Transformation of the Economy |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/08/16/20-years-of-vladimir-putin-the-transformation-of-the-economy-a66854 |access-date = 15 October 2020 |website = ] }}</ref>

In 2000, Putin launched the "Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of the Russian Federation for the Period 2000–2010", but it was abandoned in 2008 when it was 30% complete.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1 = Aris |first1 = Ben |last2 = Tkachev |first2 = Ivan |date = 19 August 2019 |title = Long Read: 20 Years of Russia's Economy Under Putin, in Numbers |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/08/19/long-read-russias-economy-under-putin-in-numbers-a66924 |access-date = 15 October 2020 |website = Moscow Times }}</ref> Fueled by the ] including ],<ref name="Putin 2007">''Putin: Russia's Choice'', (Routledge 2007), by ], Chapter 9.</ref><ref name="Fragile Empire 2013 page 17">Judah, Ben, ''Fragile Empire: How Russia Fell In and Out of Love with Vladimir Putin'', ], 2013, p. 17</ref> under the Putin administration from 2000 to 2016, an increase in income in USD terms was 4.5 times.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Becker |first = Torbjörn |title = The Russian Economy Under Putin (So Far) |url = https://freepolicybriefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/freepolicybrief_mar15.pdf |date = 15 March 2018 |access-date = 16 October 2020 |website = freepolicybriefs.org |publisher = Free Network |page = 3 }}</ref> During Putin's first eight years in office, industry grew substantially, as did production, construction, real incomes, credit, and the middle class.<ref name="russiaprofile">{{#invoke:cite web||first1 = Katya |last1 = Malofeeva |first2 = Tim |last2 = Brenton |url = http://russiaprofile.org/politics/a1187177738.html |title = Putin's Economy – Eight Years On |publisher = Russia Profile |date = 15 August 2007 |access-date = 23 April 2008 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141018214852/http://russiaprofile.org/politics/a1187177738.html |archive-date = 18 October 2014 }}</ref><ref name="challenges_of_medv_era">Iikka. Korhonen ''et al.'' {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320025511/http://www.suomenpankki.fi/en/suomen_pankki/organisaatio/asiantuntijoita/Documents/bon0608.pdf |date=20 March 2012}}. Bank of Finland's Institute for Economies in Transition, 24 June 2008.</ref> ] allowed Russia to repay Soviet Union's debts by 2005. Russia joined the ] in August 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url=https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/a1_russie_e.htm|title=WTO {{!}} Accessions: Russian Federation|website=wto.org|access-date=14 March 2019}}</ref>

In 2006, Putin launched an industry consolidation programme to bring the main aircraft-producing companies under a single umbrella organization, the ] (UAC).<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 21 February 2006 |title = Владимир Путин учредил открытое акционерное общество "Объединенная авиастроительная корпорация" |trans-title = Vladimir Putin established the United Aircraft Corporation, an open joint stock company |url = http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/35095 |access-date = 16 October 2020 |website = Президент России |language = ru }}</ref><ref name="ato1">{{cite journal |url = http://www.ato.ru/content/state-sponsored-consolidation |title = State-sponsored consolidation |last1 = Zvereva |first1 = Polina |journal = Russia & CIS Observer |issue = 26 |volume = 3 |date = 11 October 2009 }}</ref> In September 2020, the UAC general director announced that the UAC will receive the largest-ever post-Soviet government support package for the aircraft industry in order to pay and renegotiate the debt.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title=UAC to receive largest post Soviet govt support package {{!}} CAPA|url=https://centreforaviation.com/news/uac-to-receive-largest-post-soviet-govt-support-package-1027593|access-date=16 October 2020|website=centreforaviation.com}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 1 September 2020 |title = Объединенная авиастроительная корпорация задолжала банкам полтриллиона рублей |trans-title = United Aircraft Corporation owes banks half a trillion rubles |url = https://www.vesti.ru/finance/article/2451850 |access-date = 16 October 2020 |website = vesti.ru |language = ru }}</ref>
] CEO ] and Chinese president ]. The Russian economy is heavily dependent on the ] such as oil and natural gas.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Western sanctions push Russia's energy revenues to lowest since 2020 |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/western-sanctions-push-russias-energy-revenues-lowest-level-since-2020-2023-02-03/ |work=Reuters |date=3 February 2023}}</ref> ]]
In 2014, Putin signed a deal to supply China with 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. ], which Putin has called the "world's biggest construction project," was launched in 2019 and is expected to continue for 30 years at an ultimate cost to China of $400bn.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 2 December 2019 |title = Russia, China launch gas pipeline 'Power of Siberia' |url = https://www.dw.com/en/russia-china-launch-gas-pipeline-power-of-siberia/a-51500187 |access-date = 8 November 2020 |publisher = ] }}</ref> The ] began in the second half of 2014 when the Russian ruble collapsed due to a decline in the price of oil and ]. These events in turn led to loss of investor confidence and capital flight, although it has also been argued that the sanctions had little to no effect on Russia's economy.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date = 24 March 2017 |title = Sanctions boost Russian economic resilience |publisher = Deutsche Welle |url = http://www.dw.com/en/sanctions-boost-russian-economic-resilience/av-38101070 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170331122109/http://www.dw.com/en/sanctions-boost-russian-economic-resilience/av-38101070 |archive-date = 31 March 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = How the Sanctions Are Helping Putin |work= Politico|first=Andrey|last=Movchan|date=28 March 2017|access-date=5 August 2023 |url = http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/03/how-the-sanctions-are-helping-putin-214963 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Kitroeff |first1 = Natalie Natalie |last2 = Weisenthal |first2 = Joe |date = 16 December 2014 |title = Here's Why the Russian Ruble Is Collapsing |publisher = Bloomberg L.P. |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-12-16/no-caviar-is-not-getting-cheaper-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-russian-ruble-collapse }}</ref> In 2014, the ] named Putin their Person of the Year for furthering corruption and organized crime.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://occrp.org/person-of-the-year/2014/ |title = OCCRP 2014 Person of the Year |access-date = 31 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/vladimir-putin-named-person-year-innovation-organised-crime-1481739 |title = Vladimir Putin named Person of the Year for 'innovation' in 'organised crime' |work = International Business Times |date = 3 January 2015 }}</ref>

According to '']'', Putin has since 2007 predicted on a number of occasions that Russia will become one of the world's five largest economies. In 2013, he said Russia was one of the five biggest economies in terms of gross domestic product but still lagged behind other countries on indicators such as labour productivity.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://meduza.io/en/short/2018/05/08/when-will-russia-become-the-world-s-fifth-biggest-economy-don-t-ask-vladimir-putin |title = When will Russia become the world's fifth biggest economy? Don't ask Vladimir Putin. |work = Meduza |access-date = 9 May 2018 }}</ref> By the end of 2023, Putin planned to spend almost 40% of ] on defense and security.<ref>{{cite news |title=Putin approves big military spending hikes for Russia's budget |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-approves-big-military-spending-hikes-russias-budget-2023-11-27/ |work=Reuters |date=27 November 2023}}</ref>

=== Environmental policy ===
{{Main|Environment of Russia|Environmental issues in Russia|Climate change in Russia}}
In 2004, Putin signed the ] treaty designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin Ratifies Kyoto Protocol on Emissions |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/06/world/europe/putin-ratifies-kyoto-protocol-on-emissions.html |newspaper = The New York Times |date = 6 November 2004 |page = A1 |access-date = 16 October 2022 }}</ref> However, Russia did not face mandatory cuts, because the Kyoto Protocol limits emissions to a percentage increase or decrease from 1990 levels and Russia's greenhouse-gas emissions fell well below the 1990 baseline due to a drop in economic output after the breakup of the Soviet Union,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.cfr.org/publication/13640/g8s_gradual_move_toward_postkyoto_climate_change_policy.html |title = G8's Gradual Move toward Post-Kyoto Climate Change Policy |author = Tony Johnson |publisher = Council on Foreign Relations |access-date = 2 March 2010 |archive-date = 29 December 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091229130613/http://www.cfr.org/publication/13640/g8s_gradual_move_toward_postkyoto_climate_change_policy.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> excluding emissions from ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Report on the technical review of the fourth biennial report of the Russian Federation|url=https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/trr4_RUS.pdf}}</ref>

In 2019 Russia joined the ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-09-23 |title=Russia gives definitive approval to Paris climate accord |language=en |work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-russia-idUSKBN1W8162|access-date=2021-05-24}}</ref> Russia's goal is to reach ] by 2060, but ] to 2035 is mostly about burning more ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nationally determined contribution of the Russian Federation|url=https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/ndcstaging/PublishedDocuments/Russia%20First/NDC_RF_eng.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-18 |title=Does Russia have a climate plan to reduce carbon emissions? |url=https://www.euronews.com/green/2022/03/18/russia-says-sanctions-will-stop-it-cutting-carbon-emissions-but-does-it-have-a-climate-pla |access-date=2022-03-26 |website=euronews |language=en}}</ref> Reporting military emissions is voluntary and, as of 2024, no data is available since before the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Military Emissions Gap – Tracking the long war that militaries are waging on the climate |url=https://militaryemissions.org/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Putin described ] as a concerning fact with big consequences for Russia. He is not sure if it man made or not, but said that Russia is trying and will try to reduce man made emissions with forests and "low-emission energy", by this term he intends ], ] and ]. He said that rich countries should provide finance and technology to those with less money for lower emissions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Valdai Discussion Club meeting |url=http://www.en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/75521 |website=Presidential Executive Office 2024 |access-date=15 December 2024}}</ref> Some describe his policy as "mimicry of climate policy" and say he turned environmentalizm into tool of political influence.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lanshina |first1=Tatiana |title=Climate control: How Russia turned environmentalism into a tool of political influence |url=https://theins.ru/en/economics/276652 |website=The Insider |access-date=15 December 2024}}</ref>

=== Religious policy ===
{{Main|Religion in Russia}}
]
Putin regularly attends the most important services of the ] on the main holy days and has established a good relationship with ] of the Russian Church, the late ] and the current ]. As president, Putin took an active personal part in promoting the ], signed 17 May 2007, which restored relations between the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church and the ] after the 80-year schism.<ref>{{cite press release |title = The President of Russia attended the ceremonial signing of the Act on Canonical Communion that was held in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour |publisher = ] |date = 17 May 2007 |url = http://www.rusembcanada.mid.ru/pr2007/022.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081211074427/http://www.rusembcanada.mid.ru/pr2007/022.html |archive-date = 11 December 2008 |url-status = dead |access-date = 2 October 2008 }}</ref>

Under Putin, the ] ] became increasingly influential within the Jewish community, partly due to the influence of Federation-supporting businessmen mediated through their alliances with Putin, notably ] and ].<ref name="Russia">''No love lost'', Yossi Mehlman, ''Haaretz'', 11 December 2005.</ref><ref>Phyllis Berman Lea Goldman, (15 September 2003). . ''Forbes''.</ref> According to the ], Putin is popular amongst the ] community, who see him as a force for stability. Russia's chief rabbi, ], said Putin "paid great attention to the needs of our community and related to us with a deep respect".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Krichevsky |first = Lev |url = http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishFeatures/Article.aspx?id=241225 |title = "In Putin's return, Russian Jews see stability". Jewish Telegraphic Agency |website = The Jerusalem Post |date = 10 October 2011 |access-date = 22 June 2013 }}</ref> In 2016, ], the president of the ], also praised Putin for making Russia "a country where Jews are welcome".<ref name="wjcrussiafight">{{#invoke:cite web||title = Ronald S. Lauder: Russia's fight against anti-Semitism isn't just good for Jews – it's good for Russia as well |url = http://www.worldjewishcongress.org/en/news/ronald-s-lauder-russias-fight-against-anti-semitism-isnt-just-good-for-jews--its-good-for-russia-as-well-11-2-2016 |website = World Jewish Congress |access-date = 1 November 2016 |date = 1 November 2016 }}</ref>

Human rights organizations and religious freedom advocates have criticized the state of religious freedom in Russia.<ref name="WaPost-2016">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Missionaries are struggling to work under new Russia law banning proselytizing |newspaper = The Washington Post |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/09/20/missionaries-struggle-to-work-in-russia-under-new-law-that-bans-proselytizing/ |year = 2016 }}</ref> In 2016, Putin oversaw the passage of legislation that prohibited missionary activity in Russia.<ref name="WaPost-2016" /> Nonviolent religious minority groups have been repressed under anti-extremism laws, especially ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Russia's mysterious campaign against Jehovah's Witnesses |url = https://abcnews.go.com/International/russias-mysterious-campaign-jehovahs-witnesses/story?id=78629389 |access-date = 4 March 2022 |publisher = ABC News }}</ref> One of the ] has a ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Constitution of the Russia Federation |url = https://rm.coe.int/constitution-of-the-russian-federation-en/1680a1a237 |date = 4 February 2021 |work = ] |access-date = 5 March 2022 }}</ref>

=== Military development ===
{{Main|2008 Russian military reform}}
] (left) and Chief of the General Staff ] at the ]]]
The resumption of long-distance flights of Russia's ]s was followed by the announcement by Russian defense minister ] during his meeting with Putin on 5 December 2007, that 11 ships, including the aircraft carrier '']'', would take part in the first major navy sortie into the Mediterranean since Soviet times.<ref>Guy Faulconbridge . Reuters. 5 December 2007.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://president.kremlin.ru/appears/2007/12/05/1940_type63378_153373.shtml |script-title = ru:Начало встречи с Министром обороны Анатолием Сердюковым |trans-title = Start of the meeting with Defence Minister Anatoliy Serdyukov |language = ru |publisher = Kremlin.ru |date = 5 December 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080608051601/http://president.kremlin.ru/appears/2007/12/05/1940_type63378_153373.shtml |archive-date = 8 June 2008 }}</ref>

Key elements of the reform included reducing the armed forces to a strength of one million, reducing the number of officers, centralising officer training from 65 military schools into 10 systemic military training centres, creating a professional ] corps, reducing the size of the central command, introducing more civilian logistics and auxiliary staff, elimination of cadre-strength formations, reorganising the reserves, reorganising the army into a brigade system, and reorganising air forces into an airbase system instead of regiments.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rieas.gr/research-areas/global-issues/russian-studies/104.html |title=Reforming The Russian Military: Problems And Prospects<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2011-08-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504155608/http://www.rieas.gr/research-areas/global-issues/russian-studies/104.html |archive-date=2018-05-04 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
]. As of September 2024, the number of Russian soldiers ] was estimated at 600,000.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pancevski |first1=Bojan |title=One Million Are Now Dead or Injured in the Russia-Ukraine War |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/one-million-are-now-dead-or-injured-in-the-russia-ukraine-war-b09d04e5 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=17 September 2024}}</ref>]]
According to the Kremlin, Putin embarked on a build-up of ] because of U.S. president ]'s unilateral decision to withdraw from the 1972 ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Majumdar |first = Dave |date = 1 March 2018 |title = Russia's Nuclear Weapons Buildup Is Aimed at Beating U.S. Missile Defenses |url = https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/russias-nuclear-weapons-buildup-aimed-beating-us-missile-24716 |work = The National Interest |location = US |access-date = 26 October 2018 }}</ref> To counter what Putin sees as the United States' goal of undermining Russia's strategic nuclear deterrent, Moscow has embarked on a program to develop new weapons capable of defeating any new American ballistic missile defense or interception system. Some analysts believe that this nuclear strategy under Putin has brought Russia into violation of the 1987 ].<ref name="Hurlbert-2018">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Hurlbert |first = Heather |date = 26 October 2018 |title = Russia Violated an Arms Treaty. Trump Ditched It, Making the Nuclear Threat Even Worse. |url = https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/russias-nuclear-weapons-buildup-aimed-beating-us-missile-24716 |work = New York |location = US |access-date = 26 October 2018 }}</ref>

Accordingly, U.S. president ] announced the U.S. would no longer consider itself bound by the treaty's provisions, raising nuclear tensions between the two powers.<ref name="Hurlbert-2018"/> This prompted Putin to state that Russia would not launch first in a nuclear conflict but that "an aggressor should know that vengeance is inevitable, that he will be annihilated, and we would be the victims of the aggression. We will go to heaven as martyrs".<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date = 19 October 2018 |title = Aggressors Will Be Annihilated, We Will Go to Heaven as Martyrs, Putin Says |url = https://themoscowtimes.com/news/aggressors-will-be-annihilated-we-will-go-to-heaven-as-martyrs-putin-says-63235 |work = ] |location = Russia |access-date = 26 October 2018 }}</ref>

Putin has also sought to increase Russian territorial claims in the Arctic and its military presence there. In August 2007, Russian expedition ], part of research related to the ], planted a flag on the seabed at the North Pole.<ref name="pole_flag">{{#invoke:cite news||author = William J. Broad |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/world/europe/19arctic.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1311810481-IXSrMDBjzhfGopGmYcf6tw |title = Russia's Claim Under Polar Ice Irks American |work = The New York Times |date = 19 February 2008 |access-date = 27 July 2011 }}</ref> Both Russian submarines and troops deployed in the Arctic have been increasing.<ref name="Military_buildup1">{{#invoke:cite news||author = Adrian Blomfield |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/2111507/Russia-plans-Arctic-military-build-up.html |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/2111507/Russia-plans-Arctic-military-build-up.html |archive-date = 10 January 2022 |url-access = subscription |url-status = live |title = Russia plans Arctic military build-up |work = The Daily Telegraph |date = 11 June 2008 |access-date = 27 July 2011 |location = London }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="Military_buildup2">{{#invoke:cite news||author = Mia Bennett |url = http://foreignpolicyblogs.com/2011/07/04/russia-arctic-states-solidifying-northern-military-presence/ |title = Russia, Like Other Arctic States, Solidifies Northern Military Presence |newspaper = Foreign Policy Blogs |publisher = Foreign Policy Association |date = 4 July 2011 |access-date = 27 July 2011 }}</ref>

=== Human rights policy ===
{{Main|Human rights in Russia}}
{{See also|Dima Yakovlev Law|Russian foreign agent law|Russian Internet Restriction Bill}}
] politician ] attends a march in memory of ] opposition politician ], Moscow, 29 February 2020.]]
New York City-based NGO ], in a report entitled ''Laws of Attrition'', authored by Hugh Williamson, the British director of HRW's Europe & Central Asia Division, has claimed that since May 2012, when Putin was reelected as president, Russia has enacted many restrictive laws, started inspections of non-governmental organizations, harassed, intimidated and imprisoned political activists, and started to restrict critics. The new laws include the "foreign agents" law, which is widely regarded as over-broad by including Russian human rights organizations which receive some international grant funding, the treason law, and the assembly law which penalizes many expressions of dissent.<ref> Human Rights Watch pdf report, 24 April 2013.</ref><ref> Human Rights Watch Summary, 24 April 2013.</ref> Human rights activists have criticized Russia for censoring speech of LGBT activists due to ]<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/04/kyrgyzstan-lgbt-community-fear-attacks-russia |title = 'We'll cut off your head': open season for LGBT attacks in Kyrgyzstan |last = North |first = Andrew |date = 4 May 2016 |work = The Guardian |access-date = 21 June 2017 |issn = 0261-3077 }}</ref> and increasing violence against LGBT+ people due to the law.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/01/russia-rise-homophobic-violence |title = Russian anti-gay law prompts rise in homophobic violence |last = Luhn |first = Alec |date = 1 September 2013 |work = The Guardian |access-date = 21 June 2017 |issn = 0261-3077 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/10/09/russian_lgbt_activists_on_the_effects_of_gay_propaganda_law.html |title = The Chilling Effects of Russia's Anti-Gay Law, One Year Later |last = Keating |first = Joshua |date = 9 October 2014 |work = Slate |access-date = 21 June 2017 |issn = 1091-2339 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://themoscowtimes.com/news/russias-lgbt-youth-victimized-by-gay-propaganda-law-49524 |title = Russia's LGBT Youth Victimized by 'Gay Propaganda' Law |access-date = 21 June 2017 }}</ref>

In 2020, Putin signed a law on labelling individuals and organizations receiving funding from abroad as "foreign agents". The law is an expansion of "foreign agent" legislation adopted in 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 30 December 2020 |title = Putin Signs Controversial 'Foreign Agent' Law Expansion |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/12/30/putin-signs-controversial-foreign-agent-law-expansion-a72524 |website = ] }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Odynova |first = Alexandra |date = 31 December 2020 |title = Putin ends 2020 by tightening the legal noose on press and individual freedoms |url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-vladimir-putin-ends-2020-laws-foreign-agents-limits-press-individual-freedoms/ |publisher = ] }}</ref>

As of June 2020, per Memorial Human Rights Center, there were 380 political prisoners in Russia, including 63 individuals prosecuted, directly or indirectly, for political activities (including Alexey Navalny) and 245 prosecuted for their involvement with one of the Muslim organizations that are banned in Russia. 78 individuals on the list, i.e., more than 20% of the total, are residents of Crimea.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 4 October 2017 |title = Списки преследуемых |url = https://memohrc.org/ru/content/spiski-presleduemyh |access-date = 11 October 2021 |website = Правозащитный центр «Мемориал» }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1 = Council |first1 = Russian-speaking Community |date = 14 June 2021 |title = Russia's Political Prisoners Directory |url = https://amrusrights.wordpress.com/2021/06/14/russias-political-prisoners-directory/ |access-date = 11 October 2021 |website = American Russian-Speaking Association for Civil & Human Rights }}</ref> As of December 2022, more than 4,000 people were prosecuted for criticizing the war in Ukraine under Russia's ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Weir |first1=Fred |title=In Russia, critiquing the Ukraine war could land you in prison |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2022/1205/In-Russia-critiquing-the-Ukraine-war-could-land-you-in-prison |work=CSMonitor.com |date=5 December 2022}}</ref>

=== The media ===
{{See also|Mass media in Russia|Media freedom in Russia|Propaganda in Russia}}
], chief of Russia's main state-controlled TV station ]. About 85% of Russians get most of their information from Russian state media.<ref name="Time-Stengel">{{cite magazine |last1=Stengel |first1=Richard |title=Putin May Be Winning the Information War Outside of the U.S. and Europe |url=https://time.com/6179221/putin-information-war-column/ |magazine=] |date=20 May 2022}}</ref> ]]
Scott Gehlbach, a professor of Political Science at the ], has claimed that since 1999, Putin has systematically punished journalists who challenge his official point of view.<ref>Scott Gehlbach, "Reflections on Putin and the Media". ''Post-Soviet Affairs'' 26#1 (2010): 77–87.</ref> ], an American writing in '']'' claims, "The crackdown that followed Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012 extended to the liberal media, which had until then been allowed to operate fairly independently."<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||author-link = Maria Lipman |title = How Putin Silences Dissent: Inside the Kremlin's Crackdown |work = Foreign Affairs |volume = 95#1 |year = 2016 |page = 38 }}</ref> The Internet has attracted Putin's attention because his critics have tried to use it to challenge his control of information.<ref>Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan, ''The Red Web: The Struggle Between Russia's Digital Dictators and the New Online Revolutionaries'' (2015).</ref> Marian K. Leighton, who worked for the ] as a Soviet analyst in the 1980s says, "Having muzzled Russia's print and broadcast media, Putin focused his energies on the Internet."<ref>Marian K. Leighton, "Muzzling the Russian Media Again." (2016): 820–826.</ref>

Robert W. Orttung and Christopher Walker reported that "], for instance, ranked Russia 148 in its 2013 list of 179 countries in terms of freedom of the press. It particularly criticized Russia for the crackdown on the political opposition and the failure of the authorities to vigorously pursue and bring to justice criminals who have murdered journalists. ] ranks Russian media as "not free", indicating that basic safeguards and guarantees for journalists and media enterprises are absent.<ref>Robert W. Orttung and Christopher Walker, "Putin and Russia's crippled media". ''Russian Analytical Digest'' 21.123 (2013): 2–6 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916100337/http://mercury.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/ISN/160446/ipublicationdocument_singledocument/121e51db-ebb0-430c-86f8-884fe87a38e8/en/Russian_Analytical_Digest_123.pdf |date=16 September 2016}}</ref> About two-thirds of Russians use television as their primary source of daily news.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Goncharenko |first1=Roman |title=Russia's TV war against Ukraine |url=https://www.dw.com/en/how-russian-media-outlets-are-preparing-an-attack-on-ukraine/a-60801837 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=16 February 2022}}</ref>

In the early 2000s, Putin and his circle began promoting the idea in Russian media that they are the modern-day version of the 17th-century ] tsars who ended Russia's "]", meaning they claim to be the peacemakers and stabilizers after the fall of the Soviet Union.<ref>{{cite journal |last = Levin |first = Eve |date =Fall 2011 |title = Muscovy and Its Mythologies |journal = Kritika: Explorations in Russian & Eurasian History |volume = 12 |issue = 4 |pages = 773–788 |doi = 10.1353/kri.2011.0058 |s2cid = 159746900 | issn = 1531-023X}}</ref>

=== Promoting conservatism ===
{{Conservatism in Russia}}
] service in the village Turginovo in ], Tver Oblast, 7 January 2016.]]
Putin has promoted explicitly conservative policies in social, cultural, and political matters, both at home and abroad. Putin has attacked ] and ] and is identified by scholars with ].<ref>Sergei Prozorov, "Russian conservatism in the Putin presidency: The dispersion of a hegemonic discourse." ''Journal of Political Ideologies'' 10#2 (2005): 121–143.</ref> Putin has promoted new think tanks that bring together like-minded intellectuals and writers. For example, the Izborsky Club, founded in 2012 by the conservative right-wing journalist ], stresses (i) Russian nationalism, (ii) the restoration of Russia's historical greatness, and (iii) systematic opposition to liberal ideas and policies.<ref>Marlene Laruelle, "The Izborsky Club, or the New Conservative Avant‐Garde in Russia." ''Russian Review'' 75#4 (2016): 626–644.</ref> ], a senior government official, has been one of the key economics consultants during Putin's presidency.<ref>Sirke Mäkinen, "Surkovian narrative on the future of Russia: making Russia a world leader." ''Journal of Communist Studies and Transition Politics'' 27#2 (2011): 143–165.</ref>

In cultural and social affairs Putin has collaborated closely with the ]. ], head of the Church, endorsed his election in 2012 stating Putin's terms were like "a miracle of God".<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last = Gerlach |editor1-first = Julia |editor2-last = Töpfer |editor2-first = Jochen |title = The Role of Religion in Eastern Europe Today |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=1F6vBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA135 |year = 2014 |publisher = Springer |page = 135 |isbn = 978-3-658-02441-3 }}</ref> Steven Myers reports, "The church, once heavily repressed, had emerged from the Soviet collapse as one of the most respected institutions... Now Kiril led the faithful directly into an alliance with the state."<ref>{{cite book |author = Myers |title = The New Tsar |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=1PO4DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA404 |year = 2016 |page = 404 |publisher = Knopf Doubleday Publishing |isbn = 978-0-345-80279-8 }}</ref>

Mark Woods, a ] minister and contributing editor to ''Christian Today'', provides specific examples of how the Church has backed the expansion of Russian power into Crimea and eastern Ukraine.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||first = Mark |last = Woods |title = How the Russian Orthodox Church is backing Vladimir Putin's new world order |url = http://www.christiantoday.com/article/how.the.russian.orthodox.church.is.backing.vladimir.putins.new.world.order/81108.htm |website = Christian Today |date = 3 March 2016 }}</ref> Some Russian Orthodox believers consider Putin a corrupt and brutal strongman or even a tyrant. Others do not admire him but appreciate that he aggravates their political opponents. Still others appreciate that Putin defends some although not all Orthodox teachings, whether or not he believes in them himself.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url=https://www.getreligion.org/getreligion/2016/9/19/dear-editors-at-the-new-york-times-vladimir-putin-is-a-russian-but-putin-is-not-russia |title=Dear editors at The New York Times: Vladimir Putin is a Russian, but Putin is not Russia |last=Mattingly |first=Terry |date=19 September 2016 |website=getreligion.org |publisher=Get Religion |access-date=27 February 2022 |quote="...{{nbsp}}divide these people into at least three groups{{nbsp}}..."}}, a response to {{#invoke:cite news||first = Andrew |last = Higgins |title = In Expanding Russian Influence, Faith Combines With Firepower |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/14/world/europe/russia-orthodox-church.html |work = The New York Times |date = 13 September 2016 }}</ref>

On abortion, Putin stated: "In the modern world, the decision is up to the woman herself."<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://fortune.com/2017/12/14/vladimir-putin-russia-abortion-pro-choice-press-conference/ |title = Guess What? Vladimir Putin Is a Pro-Choice Champion |date = 14 December 2017 |website = Moscow Times }}</ref> This put him at odds with the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.iwmf.org/reporting/putin-the-pro-choice-champion/ |title = Putin the Pro-Choice Champion – IWMF |website = iwmf.org |date = 20 September 2018 }}</ref> In 2020, he supported efforts to reduce the number of abortions instead of prohibiting it.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/10/27/putin-orders-government-to-improve-abortion-prevention-efforts-a71865 |title = Putin Orders Government to Improve Abortion Prevention Efforts |date = 27 October 2020 |website = Moscow Times }}</ref> On 28 November 2023, during a speech to the ], Putin urged Russian women to have "seven, eight, or even more children" and said "large families must become the norm, a way of life for all of Russia's people".<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||author=Tom Porter |date=29 November 2023|title=Putin is urging women to have as many as 8 children after so many Russians died in his war with Ukraine|language=en-US |work=Business Insider |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-war-putin-urges-russians-8-kids-amid-demographic-crisis-2023-11 |access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref>

Putin supported the ], which passed and defined marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman in the ].<ref name="Times-3Mar20">{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Kramer |first1 = Andrew E. |date = 3 March 2020 |title = Putin Proposes Constitutional Ban on Gay Marriage |work = ] |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/03/world/europe/putin-proposes-constitutional-ban-on-gay-marriage.html |access-date = 8 June 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Guardian-2Mar20">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Roth |first = Andrew |date = 2 March 2020 |title = Putin submits plans for constitutional ban on same-sex marriage |work = ] |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/02/vladimir-putin-submits-plan-enshrine-marriage-between-man-woman-russia |access-date = 8 June 2020 }}</ref><ref name="MosTimes-2Mar20">{{#invoke:cite news||date = 2 March 2020 |title = Putin Proposes to Enshrine God, Heterosexual Marriage in Constitution |work = ] |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/03/02/putin-proposes-to-enshrine-god-heterosexual-marriage-in-constitution-a69491 |access-date = 8 June 2020 }}</ref>

=== International sporting events ===
] president ] and French president ] at the ] in Russia as French forward ] receives the best young player award]]
In 2007, Putin led a successful effort on behalf of ] for the ] and the ],<ref name="kremlin-2014">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://media.kremlin.ru/2007_07_04_01_01.wmv |format = WMV |title = Sochi speech |website = Media.kremlin.ru |year = 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070710000430/https://media.kremlin.ru/2007_07_04_01_01.wmv |archive-date = 10 July 2007 }}</ref> the first ] to ever be hosted by Russia. In 2008, the city of ] won the bid for the ]; on 2 December 2010, Russia won the right to host the ] and ], also for the first time in Russian history. In 2013, Putin stated that gay athletes would not face any discrimination at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.<ref>"", BBC (28 October 2013).</ref>

== Foreign policy ==
{{Main|Foreign policy of Vladimir Putin}}
{{See also|Foreign relations of Russia|List of international presidential trips made by Vladimir Putin}}
]

Generally, Putin's tenure experiences tensions with the west.<ref>]. . Retrieved on 11 October 2023</ref><ref>Anishchuk, Alexei. ]. . Retrieved on 11 October 2023</ref> Anna Borshchevskaya, in her 2022 book, summarizes Putin main foreign policy objectives as originating in his 30 December 1999 document which appeared on the government's website, "Russia at the Turn of the Millenium."<ref>Anna Borshchevskaya. ''Putin's War in Syria.'' I.B. Tauris Press. 2022. pp. 44–46.</ref> She presents Putin as orienting himself to the plan that "Russia is a country with unique values in danger of losing its unity{{snd}}which... is a historic Russian fear. This again points to the fundamental issue of Russia's identity issues{{snd}}and how the state had manipulated these to drive anti-Western security narratives with the aim of eroding the US-led global order... Moreover, a look at Russia's distribution of forces over the years under Putin has been heavily weighted towards the south (Syria, Ukraine, Middle East), another indicator of the Kremlin's threat perceptions."<ref>Anna Borshchevskaya. ''Putin's War in Syria.'' I.B. Tauris Press. 2022. p. 44.</ref><ref>Lester Grau and Charles Bartles, ''The Russian Way of War'', p. 29.</ref>

] analyzed Putin's interview with the '']'' and concluded, "Putin is an imperialist of the old Soviet school, rather than a nationalist or a racist, and he has cooperated with, and promoted, people who are known to be gay."<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1 = Bershidsky |first1 = Leonid |title = Why Putin Sounds Alt-Right Though He Really Isn't |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/06/28/why-putin-sounds-alt-right-though-he-really-isnt-a66212 |date = 28 June 2019 |website = Moscow Times |publisher = MoscowTimes LLC |access-date = 25 August 2020 }}</ref> Putin spoke favorably of ] in regard to foreign policy, "Artificial intelligence is the future, not only for Russia, but for all humankind. It comes with colossal opportunities, but also threats that are difficult to predict. Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world."<ref name="Hoover Institution">{{#invoke:cite web||last1 = Kotkin |first1 = Stephen |title = Technology and Governance in Russia: Possibilities |url = https://www.hoover.org/research/technology-and-governance-russia-possibilities |date = 3 October 2018 |website = Hoover Institution |access-date = 25 August 2020 }}</ref>

=== Asia ===
{{See also|India–Russia relations|China–Russia relations|Indonesia–Russia relations|Shanghai Cooperation Organisation}}

] in Moscow, 9 July 2024]]

In 2012, Putin wrote an article in Indian newspaper '']'', saying: "The Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia signed in October 2000 became a truly historic step."<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Putin |first = Vladimir |date = 24 December 2012 |title = For Russia, deepening friendship with India is a top foreign policy priority |language = en-IN |work = The Hindu |url = https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed//article62117930.ece |access-date = 26 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220226051445/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed//article62117930.ece |archive-date = 26 February 2022 |issn = 0971-751X }}</ref><ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-20834910 |title = India, Russia sign new defence deals |work = BBC News |date = 24 December 2012 |access-date = 22 June 2013 }}</ref> India remains the largest customer of Russian military equipment, and the two countries share a historically strong ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/07/08/russia-india-relations/ |title = Why India and Russia Are Going to Stay Friends |work = ] |author = Emily Tamkin |date = 8 July 2020 |access-date = 2 February 2021 }}</ref> In October 2022, Putin described India and China as "close allies and partners".<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = India, China allies stressed for dialogue on Ukraine conflict, says Putin |url = https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-china-allies-stressed-for-dialogue-on-ukraine-conflict-says-putin-101665771557100.html |work = Hindustan Times |date = 15 October 2022 }}</ref>

Under Putin, Russia has maintained positive relations with the Asian states of ] and ], which include China, India, Pakistan, and post-Soviet states of Central Asia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://thediplomat.com/2015/07/russias-pivot-to-asia-and-the-sco/ |title = Russia's 'Pivot to Asia' and the SCO |work = ] |date = 21 July 2015 |access-date = 2 January 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.cfr.org/councilofcouncils/global-memos/russia-and-brics-priorities-presidency |title = Russia and the BRICS: Priorities of the Presidency |work = Council of Councils |author = Sergey Kulik |date = 7 July 2015 |access-date = 2 January 2020 }}</ref> In the 21st century, ] have significantly strengthened bilaterally and economically—the ], and the construction of the ] and the ] formed a "special relationship" between the two ]s.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.rferl.org/a/china-russia-deepen-their-ties-amid-pandemic-conflicts-with-west/30814684.html |title = China, Russia Deepen Their Ties Amid Pandemic, Conflicts With The West |publisher = ] |author = Reid Standish |date = 1 September 2020 |access-date = 2 February 2021 }}</ref>

Putin and Prime Minister ] frequently met each other to discuss the Japan–Russia territorial disputes. Putin also voiced his willingness of constructing a rail bridge between the two countries.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Sharkov |first = Damien |date = 18 July 2018 |title = Russia wants to build a rail bridge to Japan, linking Tokyo to Europe |url = https://www.newsweek.com/russia-wants-build-28-mile-bridge-japan-could-link-tokyo-europe-train-1029529 |access-date = 4 March 2022 |website = Newsweek }}</ref> Despite numerous meetings, no agreement was signed before Abe's resignation in 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Abiru |first = Taisuke |title = Japan-Russia Relations in the Post-Abe Era |url = https://carnegiemoscow.org/commentary/84111 |access-date = 4 March 2022 |website = Carnegie Moscow Center }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Resetting Japan-Russia Relations |url = https://thediplomat.com/2020/10/resetting-japan-russia-relations/ |access-date = 4 March 2022 |website = thediplomat.com |language = en-US }}</ref>
] and other leaders at the ] summit in Uzbekistan on 16 September 2022]]

Putin made three visits to Mongolia and has enjoyed good relations with its neighbor. Putin and his Mongolian counterpart signed a permanent treaty on friendship between the two states in September 2019, further enhancing trade and cultural exchanges.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Russia, Mongolia Sign New Treaty To Bring Partnership To 'Whole New Level' |url = https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-mongolia-sign-new-treaty-to-bring-partnership-to-whole-new-level-/30144655.html |publisher = Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date = 3 September 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 4 September 2019 |title = Putin promises infrastructure investment in Mongolia |url = https://www.france24.com/en/20190904-putin-promises-infrastructure-investment-in-mongolia |access-date = 4 March 2022 |publisher = France 24 }}</ref> Putin became the first Russian or Soviet leader to visit Indonesia in half a century in 2007, resulting in the signing of an arms deal.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||author = Peter Walker |title = Putin signs Indonesia arms deal |newspaper = The Guardian |date = 6 September 2007 |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/sep/06/indonesia.russia }}</ref> In another visit, Putin commented on long-standing ties and friendship between Russia and Indonesia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date = 19 May 2016 |title = Putin: Russia and Indonesia are Linked by Long-standing and Close Ties |url = https://setkab.go.id/en/putin-russia-and-indonesia-are-linked-by-long-standing-and-close-ties/ |access-date = 4 March 2022 |newspaper = Sekretariat Kabinet Republik Indonesia }}</ref> Russia has also boosted relations with Vietnam after 2011,<ref>{{cite journal |date = 9 October 2012 |title = The Russia–Vietnam comprehensive partnership |url = https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2012/10/09/the-russia-vietnam-comprehensive-partnership/ |access-date = 4 March 2022 |website = East Asia Forum |last1 = Thayer |first1 = Carlyle }}</ref> and with Afghanistan in the 2010s, giving military and economic aid.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last=Hasrat-Nazimi |first=Waslat |title=Russia's new role in Afghanistan {{!}} DW {{!}} 2 March 2016 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/russias-new-role-in-afghanistan/a-19087432 |access-date=4 March 2022 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Hamid Karzai and the Russia Connection |publisher = The Diplomat |date = 3 November 2017 |url = https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/hamid-karzai-and-the-russia-connection/ }}</ref> The relations between Russia and the Philippines received a boost in 2016 as Putin forged closer bilateral ties with his Filipino counterpart, ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = President Putin bestows Order of Friendship on Filipino |date = 22 November 2019 |url = https://www.arabnews.com/node/1587781/world }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Rodrigo Duterte tells Vladimir Putin: 'I just want to be friends' |website = ] |date = 28 November 2016 |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/philippines-russia-rodrigo-duterte-tells-vladimir-putin-i-just-want-to-be-friends-a7443036.html }}</ref> Putin has good relations with Malaysia and its then Prime Minister ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||author = Nile Bowie |date = 10 September 2019 |title = The ties that bind Mahathir to Moscow |newspaper = Asia Times |url = https://asiatimes.com/2019/09/the-ties-that-bind-mahathir-to-moscow/ }}</ref> Putin also made the first Russian or Soviet leader to visit North Korea, meeting ] in July 2000, shortly after a visit to South Korea.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||author = Don Kirk |title = Putin Is Acclaimed On Pyongyang Visit : After Decades of Sullen Isolation, North Korea Emerges as a Key Player |newspaper = The New York Times |date = 20 July 2000 |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/20/news/putin-is-acclaimed-on-pyongyang-visit-after-decades-of-sullen-isolation.html |url-access = subscription }}</ref>

Putin criticized violence in Myanmar against Rohingya minorities in 2017.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 5 September 2017 |title = Putin Condemns Myanmar Violence After Mass Rally in Chechnya |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2017/09/05/after-mass-rally-chechnya-putin-condemns-myanmar-violence-a58851 |access-date = 4 March 2022 |website = Moscow Times }}</ref> Following the ], Russia has pledged to boost ties with the Myanmar military regime.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia working closely with post-coup Myanmar on military supplies – exporter |work = Reuters |date = 1 July 2021 |url = https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/russia-myanmar-cooperating-military-equipment-supplies-ifax-2021-07-21/ }}</ref>

=== Post-Soviet states ===
{{Further|Colour revolution|Russia–Ukraine relations|Belarus–Russia relations|Georgia–Russia relations|Kyrgyzstan–Russia relations|Kazakhstan–Russia relations|Eurasian Economic Union}}
{{See also|Commonwealth of Independent States}}
] in English alphabetical order: {{flatlist|{{ordered list|Armenia|Azerbaijan|Belarus|Estonia|Georgia|Kazakhstan|Kyrgyzstan|Latvia|Lithuania|Moldova|Russia|Tajikistan|Turkmenistan|Ukraine|Uzbekistan}}}}]]

Under Putin, the Kremlin has consistently stated that Russia has a ] and "privileged interests" over other ], which are referred to as the "near abroad" in Russia. It has also been stated that the post-Soviet states are strategically vital to ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Kramer |first = Andrew E. |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/01/world/europe/01russia.html |title = Russia Claims Its Sphere of Influence in the World |website = ] |date = 31 August 2008 |access-date = 3 August 2021 }}</ref> Some Russia experts have compared this concept to the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Safire |first = William |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/22/magazine/on-language-the-near-abroad.html |title = On Language – The Near Abroad |website = ] |date = 22 May 1994 |access-date = 3 August 2021 }}</ref>

A series of so-called ]s in the ], namely the ] in Georgia in 2003, the ] in Ukraine in 2004 and the ] in Kyrgyzstan in 2005, led to frictions in the relations of those countries with Russia. In December 2004, Putin criticized the Rose and Orange revolutions, saying: "If you have permanent revolutions you risk plunging the post-Soviet space into endless conflict."<ref name="blueandorange">, '']'' (24 December 2004).</ref>

Putin allegedly declared at a NATO-Russia summit in 2008 that if Ukraine joined NATO Russia could contend to annex the ] and ].<ref>, '']'' (30 November 2010).</ref> At the summit, he told U.S. president ] that "Ukraine is not even a state!", while the following year Putin referred to Ukraine as "]".<ref>Bohm, M. ''''. '']''. 25 December 2013.</ref> Following the ] in March 2014, ].<ref name="walker-the-guardian-2014-descend">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Walker |first = Shaun |date = 4 March 2014 |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/04/ukraine-crisis-russian-troops-crimea-john-kerry-kiev |title = Russian takeover of Crimea will not descend into war, says Vladimir Putin |newspaper = ] |location = London |access-date = 4 March 2014 }}</ref><ref name="bloomberg-news-2014-request">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-04/russia-calls-ukraine-intervention-legal-citing-yanukovych-letter.html |title = Russia Stays in Ukraine as Putin Channels Yanukovych Request |first1 = Sangwon |last1 = Yoon |first2 = Daryna |last2 = Krasnolutska |first3 = Kateryna |last3 = Choursina |date = 4 March 2014 |access-date = 5 March 2014 |work = ] }}</ref><ref name="Radyuhin">{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/russian-parliament-approves-use-of-force-in-crimea/article5739708.ece |title = Russian Parliament approves use of army in Ukraine |work = The Hindu |date = 1 March 2014 |first = Vladimir |last = Radyuhin |location = Chennai, India }}</ref> According to Putin, this was done because "] has always been and remains an inseparable part of Russia".<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Vladimir Putin signs treaty for Russia to take Crimea from Ukraine – video |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2014/mar/18/vladimir-putin-annex-crimea-russia-ukraine-video |access-date = 28 December 2014 |work = The Guardian |date = 18 March 2014 }}</ref>

After the Russian annexation of Crimea, he said that Ukraine includes "regions of Russia's historic south" and "was created on a whim by the ]".<ref name="cbsnews.com">{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-president-vladimir-putin-approves-draft-bill-to-annex-crimea-after-residents-vote-to-leave-ukraine/ |publisher = CBS News |title = Russia President Vladimir Putin signs treaty to annex Crimea after residents vote to leave Ukraine |date = 18 March 2014 }}</ref> He went on to declare that the ] of ] ] had been orchestrated by the West as an attempt to weaken Russia. "Our Western partners have crossed a line. They behaved rudely, irresponsibly and unprofessionally", he said, adding that the people who had come to power in Ukraine were "nationalists, ], ] and ]".<ref name="cbsnews.com" />
] (CSTO), in Moscow on 16 May 2022.]]

In a July 2014 speech during a Russian-supported ] ], Putin stated he would use Russia's "entire arsenal of available means" up to "operations under international humanitarian law and the right of self-defence" to protect ] outside Russia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/vladimir-putin/10951644/Has-Vladimir-Putin-blinked-over-Ukraine.html |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/vladimir-putin/10951644/Has-Vladimir-Putin-blinked-over-Ukraine.html |archive-date = 10 January 2022 |url-access = subscription |url-status = live |title = Has Vladimir Putin blinked over Ukraine? |newspaper = The Daily Telegraph |date = 7 July 2014 |access-date = 22 March 2018 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 1 July 2014 |title= |script-title = ru:Совещание послов и постоянных представителей России |trans-title = Conference of Russian ambassadors and permanent representatives |url = http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/46131 |access-date = 12 December 2021 |website = President of Russia |language = ru |quote = И хочу, чтобы все понимали: наша страна будет и впредь энергично отстаивать права русских, наших соотечественников за рубежом, использовать для этого весь арсенал имеющихся средств: от политических и экономических – до предусмотренных в международном праве гуманитарных операций, права на самооборону. }}</ref> With the attainment of autocephaly by the ] in December 2018 and subsequent ] of the ] from Constantinople, a number of experts came to the conclusion that Putin's policy of forceful engagement in post-Soviet republics significantly backfired on him, leading to a situation where he "annexed Crimea, but lost Ukraine", and provoked a much more cautious approach to Russia among other post-Soviet countries.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://euobserver.com/foreign/143094 |title = Putin has lost Ukraine, US diplomat says |access-date = 13 October 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2018-10-13/putin-is-loser-as-ukraine-s-orthodox-church-seeks-independence |title = Putin Is the Biggest Loser of Orthodox Schism |last = Bershidsky |first = Leonid |newspaper = Bloomberg.com |date = 13 October 2018 }}</ref>

In late August 2014, Putin stated: "People who have their own views on history and the ] may argue with me, but it seems to me that the Russian and ]s are practically one people."<ref>, ] (29 August 2014).</ref> After making a similar statement, in late December 2015 he stated: "the ], as well as ], surely has a source of its own."<ref>, ] (26 December 2015).</ref> In July 2021, he published a lengthy article '']''<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2021/08/15/the-historical-unity-of-russians-and-ukrainians/ |title = The Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians |last = Putin |first = Vladimir |date = 15 August 2021 |website = moderndiplomacy.eu |access-date = 17 March 2022 |quote = I am confident that true sovereignty of Ukraine is possible only in partnership with Russia. Our spiritual, human and civilizational ties ... have been hardened by common trials, achievements and victories. Our kinship ... is in the hearts and the memory of people living in modern Russia and Ukraine, in the blood ties that unite millions of our families. Together we have always been and will be many times stronger and more successful. For we are one people. }}</ref> revisiting these themes, and saying the formation of a Ukrainian state hostile to Moscow was "comparable in its consequences to the use of weapons of mass destruction against us"<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Roth |first = Andrew |date = 7 December 2021 |title = Putin's Ukraine rhetoric driven by distorted view of neighbour |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/putins-ukraine-rhetoric-driven-by-distorted-view-of-neighbour |access-date = 12 December 2021 |website = The Guardian }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||author = Georgiy Kasianov |author2 = Mikhail Krom |author3 = Alexei Miller |date = 14 July 2021 |title = 'This isn't an argument about the past' We asked professional historians to weigh in on Putin's 'historical article' |url = https://meduza.io/en/feature/2021/07/15/this-isn-t-an-argument-about-the-past |access-date = 12 December 2021 |website = Meduza }}</ref>—it was made mandatory reading for military-political training in the Russian Armed Forces.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date = 15 July 2021 |title = |script-title = ru:Шойгу обязал военных изучить статью Путина об Украине |trans-title = Shoigu ordered the military to study Putin's article on Ukraine |url = https://www.rbc.ru/politics/15/07/2021/60f0475d9a7947b61f09f4be |access-date = 12 December 2021 |website = ] |language = ru }}</ref>
], German chancellor ], French president ] and Putin met in Paris on 9 December 2019 in the "]" aimed at ending the ].]]
In August 2008, ] ] attempted to restore control over the breakaway South Ossetia. However, the Georgian military was soon defeated in the resulting ] after regular Russian forces entered South Ossetia and then other parts of Georgia, then also opened a second front in the other Georgian breakaway province of Abkhazia with Abkhazian forces.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.heritage.org/research/RussiaandEurasia/wm2017.cfm |title = Russia and Eurasia |publisher = Heritage.org |access-date = 10 May 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090425165904/http://www.heritage.org/Research/RussiaandEurasia/wm2017.cfm |archive-date = 25 April 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7551576.stm |title = Day-by-day: Georgia-Russia crisis |work = BBC News |date = 21 August 2008 |access-date = 10 May 2009 }}</ref>

Despite existing or past tensions between Russia and most of the post-Soviet states, Putin has followed the policy of Eurasian integration. Putin endorsed the idea of a ] in 2011;<ref>, ] (3 October 2011).</ref><ref name="yahoo-reuters">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia's Putin says wants to build "Eurasian Union" |first = Gleb |last = Bryanski |url = https://news.yahoo.com/russias-putin-says-wants-build-eurasian-union-222139037.html |publisher = ] |agency = ] |date = 3 October 2011 |access-date = 4 October 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111006174652/http://news.yahoo.com/russias-putin-says-wants-build-eurasian-union-222139037.html |archive-date = 6 October 2011 }}</ref> the concept was proposed by the ] in 1994.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Kazakhstan welcomes Putin's Eurasian Union concept |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/kazakhstan/8808500/Kazakhstan-welcomes-Putins-Eurasian-Union-concept.html |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/kazakhstan/8808500/Kazakhstan-welcomes-Putins-Eurasian-Union-concept.html |archive-date = 10 January 2022 |url-access = subscription |url-status = live |newspaper = ] |date = 6 October 2011 |access-date = 8 October 2011 |location = London |first = James |last = Kilner }}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 18 November 2011, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia signed an agreement setting a target of establishing the Eurasian Union by 2015.<ref name="bbc18Nov2011">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia sees union with Belarus and Kazakhstan by 2015 |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15790452 |work = BBC News |date = 18 November 2011 |access-date = 19 November 2011 }}</ref> The Eurasian Union was established on 1 January 2015.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://docs.eaeunion.org/en-us/Pages/DisplayDocument.aspx?s=bef9c798-3978-42f3-9ef2-d0fb3d53b75f&w=632c7868-4ee2-4b21-bc64-1995328e6ef3&l=540294ae-c3c9-4511-9bf8-aaf5d6e0d169&EntityID=3610 |title = Ru-ru |publisher = Eurasian Economic Union |access-date = 9 April 2016 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160417110445/https://docs.eaeunion.org/en-us/Pages/DisplayDocument.aspx?s=bef9c798-3978-42f3-9ef2-d0fb3d53b75f&w=632c7868-4ee2-4b21-bc64-1995328e6ef3&l=540294ae-c3c9-4511-9bf8-aaf5d6e0d169&EntityID=3610 |archive-date = 17 April 2016 }}</ref>

Under Putin, Russia's relations have improved significantly with Uzbekistan, the second largest post-Soviet republic after Ukraine. This was demonstrated in Putin's visit to ] in May 2000, after lukewarm relations under Yeltsin and ] who had long distanced itself from Moscow.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Russia: Uzbekistan Renews Old Relations |date = 5 May 2000 |author = Bruce Pannier |publisher = RFE/RL |url = https://www.rferl.org/a/1094026.html }}</ref> In another meeting in 2014, Russia agreed to write off Uzbek debt.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Putin Meets Karimov; Russia To Write Off Uzbek Debt |date = 10 December 2014 |publisher = RFE/RL |url = https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-russia/26734847.html }}</ref> A theme of a greater Soviet region, including the former USSR and many of its neighbors or imperial-era states—rather than just post-Soviet Russia—has been consistent in Putin's May Day speeches.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/21421 |title = Address at a Parade Dedicated to the 55th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War |website = en.kremlin.ru |date = 9 May 2000 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/23576 |title = Speech at the Military Parade Celebrating the 61st Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War |website = en.kremlin.ru |date = 9 May 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/europe/2022/05/11/you-caused-this-finlands-president-condemns-russia-over-nato-alliance-move/ |title = 'You caused this': Finland's president blames Russia for Nato alliance move |date = 11 May 2022 |website = The National }}</ref>

On 22 December 2022, Putin addressed the Security Council in a speech where he did not use the term "Special Military Operation" but instead called the fighting in Ukraine a "war". Anti-Putin activists have called for Putin to be prosecuted for breaking a law passed to stop people calling the Special Military Operation a war. This law carries a penalty of up to 15 years in jail.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = For first known time in public, Putin calls fighting in Ukraine a 'war' |url = https://edition.cnn.com/2022/12/22/europe/putin-uses-word-war-fighting-ukraine-russia-intl-hnk/index.html/ |author = Radina Gigova and Rhea Mogul |publisher = CNN |access-date = 23 December 2022 |date = 23 December 2022 }}</ref> On 25 December, he openly declared in a TV interview that the goal of the invasion is "to unite the Russian people".<ref name="VOA22-12-25">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin Says West Aiming to Tear Apart Russia |publisher = Voice of America |url = https://www.voanews.com/a/putin-says-west-aiming-to-tear-apart-russia-/6890771.html |date = 25 December 2022 |access-date = 29 December 2022 }}</ref>

On 14 December 2023, President Putin held a press conference where he indicated that Russian would only negotiate with Ukraine "when we achieve our objectives". He stated that another mobilization wasn't required as "617,000" Russian soldiers were fighting in Ukraine.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date=14 December 2023 |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67711802|title=Russia-Ukraine war: Putin tells Russia his war objectives are unchanged|work=BBC|author=George Wright|author2= Vitaliy Shevchenko |author3= Paul Kirby |access-date= 14 December 2023}}</ref>

During the 2024 Year-End Review, President Putin was asked if there were regrets from the “Special Military Operation”. President Putin said that he regretted not launching it at the same time as the annexation of Crimea and with more “preparation.” Saying "This decision, which was made at the beginning of 2022, should have been made earlier. That's the first thing. Secondly, we should have started preparing, including for the SMO. The events in Crimea were spontaneous. The events of 2022 also began without preparation. But why did we start? Because it was impossible to stand still and endure any longer,"<ref>{{cite news|title=Putin regrets not launching Ukraine invasion earlier: We should start preparing earlier |date=19 December 2023 |url= https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/putin-regrets-not-launching-ukraine-invasion-1734618228.html |work=RBC-Ukraine|author= DARIA DMYTRIIEVA |access-date= 20 December 2024}}</ref>

=== United States, Western Europe, and NATO ===
{{See also|Anti-American sentiment in Russia|Russia–NATO relations|Russia–United States relations}}
] and Holy See's secretary of state ] on 5 June 2000]]
] and U.S. president ] at the ] meeting in Rome on 28 May 2002<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia and NATO greet arrival of a warm front |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/may/29/russia.ianblack |work = The Guardian |date = 29 May 2002 }}</ref>]]

Under Putin, Russia's relationships with NATO and the U.S. have passed through several stages. When he first became president, relations were cautious, but after the ] Putin quickly supported the U.S. in the ] and the opportunity for partnership appeared.<ref name=Bi-Partisan> by ], ''HuffPost''</ref> According to ], the U.S. "repaid by further expansion of ] to Russia's borders and by unilateral withdrawal from the 1972 ]",<ref name=Bi-Partisan /> but others pointed out the applications from ] was driven primarily by Russian's behavior in ], ], ], ] as well as calls to restore USSR in its previous borders by prominent Russian politicians.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 14 January 1995 |title = Europe: Chechnya Summons Uneasy Memories in Former East Bloc : Ex-Soviet satellites look warily on the Russian offensive. Their fears create a new urgency for membership in NATO. |url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-01-14-mn-20008-story.html |access-date = 12 April 2021 |website = Los Angeles Times |language = en-US }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=26 May 2020|title=Irony Amid the Menace {{!}} CEPA|url=https://cepa.org/irony-amid-the-menace/|access-date=12 April 2021|language=en-US}}</ref>

From 2003, when Russia strongly opposed the U.S. when it waged the ], Putin became ever more distant from the West, and relations steadily deteriorated. According to Russia scholar ], the narrative of the mainstream U.S. media, following that of the ], became anti-Putin.<ref name=Bi-Partisan /> In an interview with ], Putin said there were three questions which most concerned Russia and Eastern Europe: namely, the status of Kosovo, the ] and American plans to build missile defence sites in Poland and the Czech Republic, and suggested that all three were linked.<ref name="Sturmer">{{cite book |last = Stuermer |first = Michael |author-link = Michael Stürmer |title = Putin and the Rise of Russia |year = 2008 |publisher = Weidenfeld & Nicolson |location = London |isbn = 978-0-297-85510-1 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=E6UsAQAAIAAJ |access-date = 11 June 2012 |pages = 55, 57 & 192 }}</ref> His view was that concessions by the West on one of the questions might be met with concessions from Russia on another.<ref name=Sturmer />

{{Quote box|width = 28em|quote = One single center of power. One single center of force. One single center of decision making. This is the world of one master, one sovereign. ... Primarily the United States has overstepped its national borders, and in every area.|source = — Putin criticizing the United States in his ], 2007<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||author = Thom Shanker |author2 = Mark Landler |title = Putin Says U.S. Is Undermining Global Stability |newspaper = The New York Times |date = 11 February 2007 |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/world/europe/11munich.html |url-access = subscription }}</ref>}}
In a January 2007 interview, Putin said Russia was in favor of a democratic ] world and strengthening the systems of ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2007/01/18/0726_type82916_117121.shtml |title = Interview for Indian Television Channel Doordarshan and Press Trust of India News Agency |publisher = Kremlin.ru |date = 18 January 2007 |access-date = 22 June 2013 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080504052123/http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2007/01/18/0726_type82916_117121.shtml |archive-date = 4 May 2008 }}</ref> In February 2007, Putin criticized what he called the United States' monopolistic dominance in global relations, and "almost uncontained hyper use of force in international relations". He said the result of it is that "no one feels safe! Because no one can feel that ] is like a stone wall that will protect them. Of course such a policy stimulates an arms race."<ref name="Munich">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://archive.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2007/02/10/0138_type82912type82914type82917type84779_118123.shtml |title = Speech and the Following Discussion at the Munich Conference on Security Policy (43rd Munich Conference on Security Policy) |date = 10 February 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120309232547/https://archive.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2007/02/10/0138_type82912type82914type82917type84779_118123.shtml |archive-date = 9 March 2012 }}</ref> This came to be known as the ], and NATO secretary ] called the speech "disappointing and not helpful".<ref name="BBC">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin's speech: Back to cold war? |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6350847.stm |publisher = BBC |first = Rob |last = Watson |date = 10 February 2007 }}</ref>

] at the ] in Helsinki, Finland, 16 July 2018]]
The months following Putin's Munich Speech<ref name=Munich /> were marked by tension and a surge in rhetoric on both sides of the Atlantic. Both Russian and American officials, however, denied the idea of a ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.defenselink.mil/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1123 |title = Munich Conference on Security Policy, As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, 11 February 2007 |publisher = Defenselink.mil |access-date = 21 December 2013 }}</ref> Putin publicly opposed plans for the ] in Europe and presented President ] with a counterproposal on 7 June 2007 which was declined.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2007/06/08/2251_type82914type82915_133552.shtml |title = Press Conference following the end of the G8 Summit |publisher = Kremlin.ru |date = 8 June 2007 |access-date = 22 June 2013 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080504052143/http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2007/06/08/2251_type82914type82915_133552.shtml |archive-date = 4 May 2008 }}</ref> Russia suspended its participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty on 11 December 2007.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Russia walks away from CFE arms treaty |url = http://fijilive.com/news/2007/12/russia-walks-away-from-cfe-arms-treaty/348.Fijilive |website = fijilive.com |access-date = 31 July 2015 |date = 12 December 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222090119/http://fijilive.com/news/2007/12/russia-walks-away-from-cfe-arms-treaty/348.Fijilive |archive-date = 22 December 2015 }}</ref>

Putin opposed Kosovo's unilateral ] from Serbia on 17 February 2008, warning that it would destabilize the whole system of international relations.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/14/content_7604675.htm |title = Putin: supports for Kosovo unilateral independence 'immoral, illegal' |agency = Xinhua News Agency |date = 14 February 2008 |access-date = 25 February 2008 }}</ref> He described the ] by several major world powers as "a terrible precedent, which will de facto blow apart the whole system of international relations, developed not over decades, but over centuries", and that "they have not thought through the results of what they are doing. At the end of the day it is a two-ended stick and the second end will come back and hit them in the face."<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/putin-calls-kosovo-independence-terrible-precedent/2008/02/23/1203467431503.html |title = Putin calls Kosovo independence 'terrible precedent' |date = 23 February 2008 |work = ] }}</ref> In March 2014, Putin used Kosovo's declaration of independence as a justification for recognizing ], citing the so-called "]".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20603 |title = Address by President of the Russian Federation |website = en.kremlin.ru |date = 18 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/03/24/crimea-kosovo-and-false-moral-equivalency/ |title = Why the Kosovo 'precedent' does not justify Russia's annexation of Crimea |newspaper = ] }}</ref>

After the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. in 2001, Putin had good relations with American president ], and many western European leaders. His "cooler" and "more business-like" relationship with German chancellor, ] is often attributed to Merkel's upbringing in the former ], where Putin was stationed as a KGB agent.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Simpson |first = Emma |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4618860.stm |title = Merkel cools Berlin Moscow ties |work = BBC News |date = 16 January 2006 |access-date = 22 June 2013 }}</ref> He had a very friendly and warm relationship with Prime Minister of Italy ];<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Silvio Berlusconi and Vladimir Putin: the odd couple |url = https://www.ft.com/content/2d2a9afe-6829-11e5-97d0-1456a776a4f5 |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/2d2a9afe-6829-11e5-97d0-1456a776a4f5 |archive-date = 10 December 2022 |url-access = subscription |newspaper = Financial Times |date = 2 October 2015 }}</ref> the two leaders often described their relationship as a close friendship, continuing to organize bilateral meetings even after Berlusconi's ] in November 2011.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/old-friends-putin-and-berlusconi-enjoy-reunion-in-milan-9802327.html |title = Putin pays late-night visit to 'old friend' Berlusconi |date = 17 October 2014 }}</ref> When Berlusconi ] in 2023, Putin described him as an "extraordinary man" and a "true friend".<ref>. Rai News</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title=Russia's Putin calls Berlusconi a dear, wise friend and statesman |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-putin-pays-tribute-berlusconi-dear-wise-friend-2023-06-12/ |website=Reuters |access-date=12 June 2023 |language=en |date=12 June 2023}}</ref>

] with German chancellor ] to discuss ] natural gas pipeline in May 2018.]]
The NATO-led ] in 2011 prompted a widespread wave of criticism from several world leaders, including Putin, who said that the ] is "defective and flawed", adding: "It allows everything. It resembles medieval calls for crusades."<ref>" {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323111540/http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/article979191.ece/West-in-mediaeval-crusade-on-Gaddafi--Putin |date=23 March 2011}}." '']'' (]). 21 March 2011.</ref>

In late 2013, Russian-American relations deteriorated further when the United States canceled a summit for the first time since 1960 after Putin gave asylum to American ], who had leaked massive amounts of classified information from the NSA.<ref name=Shuster>Shuster, Simon. "," ''Time'' 16 September 2013, pp. 30–35.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/e3ace220-a252-11e4-9630-00144feab7de.html |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/e3ace220-a252-11e4-9630-00144feab7de.html |archive-date = 10 December 2022 |url-access = subscription |title = Battle for Ukraine: How the west lost Putin |website = Financial Times |date = 2 February 2015 |access-date = 25 November 2015 }}</ref> In 2014, Russia was suspended from the ] group as a result of its ].<ref>, CNN</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-temporarily-kicked-out-of-g8-club-of-rich-countries-2014-3 |title = Russia Temporarily Kicked Out of G8 Club of Rich Countries |website = Business Insider |date = 18 June 2013 |access-date = 25 March 2014 }}</ref> Putin gave a speech highly critical of the United States, accusing them of destabilizing world order and trying to "reshape the world" to its own benefit.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Demirjian |first1 = Karoun |last2 = Birnbaum |first2 = Michael |date = 24 October 2014 |title = Russia's president excoriates the United States for world's problems |language = en-US |newspaper = The Washington Post |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russias-putin-blames-us-for-destabilizing-world-order/2014/10/24/1c2e684f-6c00-41a0-8458-03533d644657_story.html |access-date = 4 March 2022 |issn = 0190-8286 }}</ref> In June 2015, Putin said that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO.<ref>"". '']''. 7 June 2015.</ref>

– ]</ref> Picture of Putin handshaking with ], the ], in August 2019.]]
On 9 November 2016, Putin congratulated ] on becoming the 45th president of the United States.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-09/putin-congratulates-trump-on-victory-hopeful-ties-will-improve |title = Putin Congratulates Trump on Victory and Hopeful of Better Ties |date = 9 November 2016 |access-date = 18 May 2017 |publisher = Bloomberg L.P. }}</ref> In December 2016, US intelligence officials (headed by ]) quoted by ] stated that Putin approved the ], against the Democratic presidential nominee ]. A spokesman for Putin denied the reports.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-election-hack-vladimir-putin-personally-involved-us-intelligence-officials-say/ |title = Vladimir Putin likely gave go-ahead for U.S. cyberattack, intelligence officials say |date = 15 December 2016 |publisher = CBS News |access-date = 18 May 2017 }}</ref> Putin has repeatedly accused Hillary Clinton, who served as U.S. secretary of state from 2009 to 2013 of interfering in ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Englund |first = Will |title = The roots of the hostility between Putin and Clinton |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/the-roots-of-the-hostility-between-putin-and-clinton/2016/07/28/85ca74ca-5402-11e6-b652-315ae5d4d4dd_story.html |newspaper = ] |date = 28 July 2016 }}</ref> and in December 2016, Clinton accused Putin of having a personal grudge against her.<ref>. '']''. 16 December 2016.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url=http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/clinton-putin-226153|title=Why Putin hates Hillary|work=]|first1=Michael|last1=Crowley|first2=Julia|last2=Ioffe|date=26 July 2016|access-date=5 August 2023}}</ref>

With the election of Trump, Putin's favorability in the U.S. increased. A Gallup poll in February 2017 revealed a positive view of Putin among 22% of Americans, the highest since 2003.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin's Image Rises in US, Mostly Among Republicans |url = http://www.gallup.com/poll/204191/putin-image-rises-mostly-among-republicans.aspx |agency = Gallup |date = 21 February 2017 }}</ref> Putin has stated that U.S.–Russian relations, already at the lowest level since the end of the ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = US-Russia relations fail to improve in Trump's first year and they are likely to get worse |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-first-year-inauguration-anniversary-russia-vladimir-putin-relations-moscow-a8168801.html |work = The Independent |date = 19 January 2018 }}</ref> have continued to deteriorate after Trump took office in January 2017.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Vladimir Putin says US-Russia relations are worse since Donald Trump took office |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-us-russia-relations-worse-military-syria-chemical-attack-barack-obama-a7679796.html |work = The Independent |date = 12 April 2017 }}</ref>

On 18 June 2020, '']'' published a nine-thousand-word essay by Putin, titled "The Real Lessons of the 75th Anniversary of World War II".<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Putin |first = Vladimir |title = The Real Lessons of the 75th Anniversary of World War II |url = https://nationalinterest.org/feature/vladimir-putin-real-lessons-75th-anniversary-world-war-ii-162982 |work = The National Interest |date = 18 June 2020 }}</ref> In the essay, Putin criticizes the Western historical view of the ] as the start of ], stating that the ] was the beginning.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Middelaar |first = Luuk van |title = Poetin is politicus, en dus historicus |url = https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2020/06/26/poetin-is-politicus-en-dus-historicus-a4004120 |work = NRC Handelsblad |date = 26 June 2020 }}</ref>

On 21 February 2023, Putin suspended Russia's participation in the ] ] treaty with the United States.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Putin pulls back from last remaining nuclear arms control pact with the US |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/21/europe/putin-russia-new-start-nuclear-pact-intl/index.html |work=CNN |date=21 February 2023}}</ref> On 25 March, President Putin announced the stationing of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Russia would maintain control of the weapons. President Putin told Russian TV: "There is nothing unusual here either. Firstly, the United States has been doing this for decades. They have long deployed their tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of their allied countries."<ref> BBC (25 March 2023)</ref>

=== United Kingdom ===
] meeting with Queen ], her husband ], and Prime Minister ] in 2005]]
In 2003, ] deteriorated when the United Kingdom granted political asylum to Putin's former patron, ] ].<ref name=expul /> This deterioration was intensified by allegations that the British were spying and making secret payments to pro-democracy and human rights groups.<ref name="spy-rock">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16614209 |title = UK spied on Russians with fake rock |work = BBC News |access-date = 25 November 2015 }}</ref> A survey conducted in the United Kingdom in 2022 found Putin to be among the least popular foreign leaders, with 8% of British respondents holding a positive opinion.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Vladimir Putin popularity & fame |url = https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/explore/public_figure/Vladimir_Putin |website = YouGov |access-date = 6 April 2022 }}</ref>

==== Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko ====
{{Main|Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko}}

The end of 2006 brought more strained relations in the wake of the death by ] poisoning in London of former KGB and ] officer ], who became an ] agent in 2003. In 2007, the crisis in relations continued with the expulsion of four Russian ] over Russia's refusal to extradite former KGB bodyguard ] to face charges in the murder.<ref name="expul">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Brown Defends Russian Expulsions, Decries Killings |author1 = Gonzalo Vina |author2 = Sebastian Alison |name-list-style = amp |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=ajvS9NfMW2EE&refer=uk |publisher = Bloomberg News |date = 20 July 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930035325/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=ajvS9NfMW2EE&refer=uk |archive-date = 30 September 2007 }}</ref> Mirroring the British actions, Russia expelled UK diplomats and took other retaliatory steps.<ref name=expul />

In 2015, the British Government launched a ] into Litvinenko's death, presided over by ], a former British High Court judge.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/21/litvinenko-inquiry-the-key-players |title = Litvinenko inquiry: the key players |date = 21 January 2016 |newspaper = ] |location = London |access-date = 5 May 2022 }}</ref> The Owen report, published on 21 January 2016, stated, "The FSB operation to kill Mr. Litvinenko was probably approved by Mr ] and also by President Putin."<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Full Report of the Litvinenko Inquiry |date = 21 January 2016 |work = ] |url = https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/21/world/europe/100000004158141.mobile.html }}</ref> The report outlined some possible motives for the murder, including Litvinenko's public statements and ] about ], and what was "undoubtedly a personal dimension to the antagonism" between Putin and Litvinenko.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Holden |first1 = Michael |title = Russia's Putin probably approved London murder of ex-KGB agent Litvinenko: UK inquiry |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/cnews-us-britain-russia-litvinenko-idCAKCN0UZ0Z6 |access-date = 5 May 2022 |work = Reuters |date = 21 January 2016 |language = en }}</ref>

==== Poisoning of Sergei Skripal ====
{{Main|Poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal}}

On 4 March 2018, former double agent ] was poisoned with a ] in ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/07/russian-spy-police-appeal-for-witnesses-as-cobra-meeting-takes-place |title = Sergei Skripal: former Russian spy poisoned with nerve agent, say police |last1 = Dodd |first1 = Vikram |last2 = Harding |first2 = Luke |date = 8 March 2018 |website = The Guardian |access-date = 17 March 2018 |last3 = MacAskill |first3 = Ewen }}</ref> Ten days later, the British government formally accused the Russian state of attempted murder, a charge which Russia denied.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/14/uk-spy-poisoning-russia-tells-un-it-did-not-make-nerve-agent-used-in-attack |title = Spy poisoning: allies back UK and blast Russia at UN security council |last = Borger |first = Julian |date = 15 March 2018 |website = The Guardian |access-date = 17 March 2018 }}</ref> After the UK expelled 23 Russian diplomats (an action which would later be responded to with a Russian expulsion of 23 British diplomats),<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/17/sergei-skripal-russia-expels-23-british-diplomats |title = Sergei Skripal: Russia expels 23 UK diplomats as row deepens |last1 = Grierson |first1 = Jamie |last2 = Wintour |first2 = Patrick |date = 17 March 2018 |website = The Guardian |access-date = 17 March 2018 }}</ref> British ] ] said on 16 March that it was "overwhelmingly likely" Putin had personally ordered the poisoning of Skripal. Putin's spokesman ] called the allegation "shocking and unpardonable diplomatic misconduct".<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/west-unites-to-confront-russia-over-poisonings-n88qmsttf|title=Johnson points finger at Putin for Salisbury spy attack|first1=Fiona|last1=Hamilton|first2=Tom|last2=Parfitt|first3=Sam|last3=Coates|first4=Rhys|last4=Blakely|first5=Lucy|last5=Fisher|website=]|access-date=17 March 2018}}</ref>

=== Latin America ===
{{See also|Brazil–Russia relations|Russia–Venezuela relations|Cuba–Russia relations|Argentina–Russia relations}}
] on 10 October 2019]]

Putin and his successor, Medvedev, enjoyed warm relations with ] of Venezuela. Much of this has been through the sale of military equipment; since 2005, Venezuela has purchased more than $4&nbsp;billion worth of arms from Russia.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110051027/http://www.france24.com/en/20080925-russia-nuclear-putin-chavez-nuclear-energy |date=10 November 2013}} France 24</ref> In September 2008, Russia sent ] bombers to Venezuela to carry out training flights.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7609577.stm |title = World – Americas – Russian bombers land in Venezuela |publisher = BBC |access-date = 25 November 2015 }}</ref> In November 2008, both countries held a joint naval exercise in the ]. Earlier in 2000, Putin had re-established stronger ties with ]'s Cuba.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin, in Cuba, Signals Priority of Ties to U.S. |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/16/world/putin-in-cuba-signals-priority-of-ties-to-us.html |work = The New York Times |first = Patrick |last = Tyler |date = 16 December 2000 |access-date = 23 August 2016 }}</ref>

"You express the best masculine qualities", Putin told ] in 2020. "You look for solutions in all matters, always putting above all the interests of your people, your country, leaving out your own personal issues." Political scientist ] noted, "Among Brazil's right-wing populists, Putin is seen as someone who is anti-], and that is seen as something that is definitely appealing to Bolsonaro. He is a strongman, and that is very inspiring to Bolsonaro. He would like to be someone who concentrates as much power."<ref name="McCoy Harlan">{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = McCoy |first1 = Terrence |last2 = Harlan |first2 = Chico |title = The global right has lionized Putin. The Ukraine attack leaves many leaders on awkward footing. |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/russia-ukraine-putin-bolsonaro-salvini/ |newspaper = The Washington Post |date = 24 February 2022 |access-date = 18 March 2022 }}</ref>

=== Australia and the South Pacific ===
{{See also|Australia–Russia relations}}

In September 2007, Putin visited Indonesia, the first Russian leader to do so in over 50 years.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://brtsis.com/rrubb.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071012181540/http://brtsis.com/rrubb.htm |archive-date = 12 October 2007 |title = Russia Courts Indonesia |publisher = Brtsis.com |date = 12 October 2007 |access-date = 24 September 2011 }}</ref> In the same month, Putin also attended the ] meeting ], where he met with Prime Minister ] and signed a uranium trade deal for Australia to sell uranium to Russia. This was the first visit by a Russian president to Australia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Coorey |first = Phillip |title = Putin and Howard Sign Uranium Deal |url = https://www.smh.com.au/news/national/putin-and-howard-sign-uranium-deal/2007/09/07/1188783452227.html |work = The Sydney Morning Herald |date = 7 September 2007 |access-date = 14 October 2014 }}</ref> Putin again visited Australia for ]. The ] denounced Putin's use of military force in Ukraine in 2014 as "bullying" and "utterly unacceptable".<ref>; ''The Guardian''; 29 August 2014</ref>

Amid calls to ban Putin from attending the 2014 G20 Summit, Prime Minister ] said he would "shirtfront" (challenge) the Russian leader over the ] by Russian-backed rebels, which had killed 38 Australians.<ref>; Australian Broadcasting Corporation; 12 November 2014</ref> Putin denied responsibility for the killings.<ref>; apnews.com; 26 May 2014</ref>

Following the ] in 2022, Australian prime minister ] said the invasion was "unprovoked, unjust and illegal" and labeled Putin a "thug".<ref>; news.com.au; 25 February 2022</ref> New Zealand Prime Minister ] denounced Putin as a "bully".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||first=Michael|last=Neilson|date=1 March 2022 |title=Parliament condemns 'bully' Putin; PM, Luxon face off on living costs |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/russia-invasion-of-ukraine-nz-parliament-condemns-bully-putin-luxon-and-ardern-face-off-on-living-costs/PMKURVCST7KMRUOFFVDLEJOOAA/ |access-date=10 July 2024 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> Fijian prime minister ] tweeted, "Fiji and our fellow Pacific Island Countries have united as nations of peace-loving people to condemn the conflict in Ukraine", while the Solomon Islands UN ambassador called the invasion a "violation of the rule of law".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last=Singh |first=Indra |date=3 March 2022 |title=Pacific condemns Russia-Ukraine conflict says PM |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/pacific-condemns-russia-ukraine-conflict-says-pm/ |access-date=4 June 2023 |website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref>

=== Middle East and Africa ===
{{See also|Israel–Russia relations|Iran–Russia relations|Russia–South Africa relations}}
] and Turkish president ], September 2018]]

On 16 October 2007, Putin visited Iran to participate in the Second Caspian Summit in ],<ref name="rbc-iran-tehran"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406094726/http://top.rbc.ru/politics/16/10/2007/122607.shtml |date=6 April 2008}}, 16 October 2007, Rbc.ru</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin's warning to the U.S. |work = Reuters |date = 16 October 2007 |url = https://www.reuters.com/news/video/videoStory?videoId=68897 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071017065727/http://www.reuters.com/news/video/videoStory?videoId=68897 |url-status = dead |archive-date = 17 October 2007 }}</ref> where he met with Iranian president ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://president.kremlin.ru/text/news/2007/10/148432.shtml |script-title = ru:Владимир Путин положительно оценил итоги Второго Каспийского саммита на встрече с Президентом Ирана Махмудом Ахмадинежадом |trans-title = Vladimir Putin assessed the results of the Second Caspian Summit positively on meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad |language = ru |publisher = Kremlin.ru |date = 16 October 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080504052206/http://president.kremlin.ru/text/news/2007/10/148432.shtml |archive-date = 4 May 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://president.kremlin.ru/events/chron/2007/10/148247.shtml |script-title = ru:Визит в Исламскую Республику Иран. Второй Каспийский саммит |trans-title = Visit to Iran. Second Caspian Summit |language = ru |publisher = Kremlin.ru |date = 16 October 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080504052159/http://president.kremlin.ru/events/chron/2007/10/148247.shtml |archive-date = 4 May 2008 }}</ref> This was the first visit of a Soviet or Russian leader<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin confirms Iran visit, brushes off 'plot' reports |url = http://www.lebanonwire.com/0710MLN/07101516AF.asp |agency = Lebanon Wire |date = 15 October 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151016052242/http://www.lebanonwire.com/0710MLN/07101516AF.asp |archive-date = 16 October 2015 }}</ref> to Iran since ]'s participation in the ] in 1943, and marked a significant event in ].<ref>, 16 October 2007, ''The Times''.</ref> At a press conference after the summit Putin said that "all our (]) states have the right to develop their peaceful nuclear programmes without any restrictions".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://president.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2007/10/16/2020_type82914type82915_148460.shtml |title = Answer to a Question at the Joint Press Conference Following the Second Caspian Summit |publisher = Kremlin.ru |date = 16 October 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080504052153/http://president.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2007/10/16/2020_type82914type82915_148460.shtml |archive-date = 4 May 2008 }}</ref> Putin was quoted as describing Iran as a "partner",<ref name=Sturmer /> although he expressed concerns over the ].<ref name=Sturmer />

In April 2008, Putin became the first Russian president to visit Libya.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://gulfnews.com/news/region/libya/putin-s-visit-historic-and-strategic-1.98399 |title = Putin's visit 'historic and strategic' |website = Gulf News |date = 18 April 2008 |access-date = 22 June 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130514014600/http://gulfnews.com/news/region/libya/putin-s-visit-historic-and-strategic-1.98399 |archive-date = 14 May 2013 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Putin condemned the ] in Libya, referring to the ] as "defective and flawed", and added, "It allows everything. It resembles medieval calls for crusades."<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/21/putin-libya-intervention-_n_838293.html |work = HuffPost |first = Cara |last = Parks |title = Putin: Military Intervention In Libya Resembles 'Crusades' |date = 21 March 2011 }}</ref> Upon ] of ], Putin called it as "planned murder" by the US, saying: "They showed to the whole world how he (Gaddafi) was killed", and "There was blood all over. Is that what they call a democracy?"<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||first = James |last = Crugnale |url = http://www.mediaite.com/online/vladimir-putin-blames-us-drones-for-gaddafi-death-slams-john-mccain/ |title = Vladimir Putin Blames US Drones For Gaddafi Death, Slams John McCain |publisher = Mediaite.com |date = 15 December 2011 |access-date = 22 June 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120104145441/http://www.mediaite.com/online/vladimir-putin-blames-us-drones-for-gaddafi-death-slams-john-mccain/ |archive-date = 4 January 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Citizen |first = Ottawa |url = http://canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/world/story.html?id=883c4e8f-cd01-4705-b446-fe9c72d3a291 |title = Putin claims U.S. planned murder of Gadhafi |publisher = Canada.com |date = 16 December 2011 |access-date = 22 June 2013 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131020152422/http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/world/story.html?id=883c4e8f-cd01-4705-b446-fe9c72d3a291 |archive-date = 20 October 2013 }}</ref>

] in Sochi, Russia, on 24 October 2019]]
From 2000 to 2010, Russia sold around $1.5&nbsp;billion worth of arms to Syria, making ] Russia's seventh-largest client.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/10/opinion/why-russia-supports-assad.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss |work = The New York Times |first = Dmitri |last = Trenin |title = Why Russia Supports Assad |date = 9 February 2012 }}</ref> During the ], Russia threatened to veto any sanctions against the Syrian government,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||author = Fred Weir |url = http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2012/0119/Why-Russia-is-willing-to-sell-arms-to-Syria |title = Why Russia is willing to sell arms to Syria |website = The Christian Science Monitor |date = 19 January 2012 |access-date = 22 June 2013 }}</ref> and continued to supply arms to its regime.

Putin opposed any foreign intervention in the Syrian civil war. In June 2012, in Paris, he rejected the statement of French president ] who called on ] to step down. Putin echoed Assad's argument that anti-regime ''militants'' were responsible for much of the bloodshed. He also talked about previous NATO interventions and their results, and asked, "What is happening in Libya, in Iraq? Did they become safer? Where are they heading? Nobody has an answer."<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Viscusi |first = Gregory |url = http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-01/hollande-clashes-with-putin-over-ouster-of-syria-s-assad |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120718174702/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-01/hollande-clashes-with-putin-over-ouster-of-syria-s-assad |url-status = dead |archive-date = 18 July 2012 |title = Hollande Clashes With Putin Over Ouster of Syria's Assad |website = Bloomberg BusinessWeek |date = 1 June 2012 |access-date = 22 June 2013 }}</ref>

], ], to discuss grain deliveries from Russia and Ukraine to Africa on 3 June 2022. The war in Ukraine contributed to the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=How Russia's War on Ukraine Is Worsening Global Starvation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/02/us/politics/russia-ukraine-food-crisis.html |work=The New York Times |date=2 January 2023}}</ref>]]
On 11 September 2013, '']'' published an ] by Putin urging caution against ] and criticizing ].<ref name="NYT-20130911">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Putin |first = Vladimir V. |title = A Plea for Caution From Russia |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/12/opinion/putin-plea-for-caution-from-russia-on-syria.html |date = 11 September 2013 |work = ] |access-date = 11 September 2013 }}</ref> Putin subsequently helped to arrange for the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Putin-says-US-Russia-agree-on-how-to-destroy-Syrias-chemical-weapons-328134 |title = Putin says US, Russia agree on how to destroy Syria's chemical weapons |newspaper = ] |date = 8 October 2013 }}</ref> In 2015, he took a stronger pro-Assad stance<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/melikkaylan/2015/09/30/putins-syria-gambit-could-be-his-waterloo/ |title = Putin's Syria Gambit Could Be His Waterloo |author = Melik Kaylan |website = Forbes }}</ref> and mobilized ]. Some analysts have summarized Putin as being allied with ] and ] in the Middle East.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/melikkaylan/2014/11/12/is-putin-about-to-invade-ukraine/ |work = Forbes |first = Melik |last = Kaylan |title = Is Putin About To Invade Ukraine? }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1 = Pedler |first1 = John |title = A Word Before Leaving: A Former Diplomat's Weltanschauung |date = 2015 |page = 129 }}</ref>

In 2017, Putin dispatched Russian ] to back the ] regime in the ], gaining a permanent military presence in return.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Cohen |first = Roger |date = 24 December 2022 |title = Putin Wants Fealty, and He's Found It in Africa |work = The New York Times |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/24/world/africa/central-african-republic-russia-wagner.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230103183631/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/24/world/africa/central-african-republic-russia-wagner.html |archive-date = 3 January 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Bax |first = Pauline |date = 3 December 2021 |title = Russia's Influence in the Central African Republic |url = https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/central-africa/central-african-republic/russias-influence-central-african-republic |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220302075435/https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/central-africa/central-african-republic/russias-influence-central-african-republic |archive-date = 2 March 2022 }}
</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Posthumus |first = Bram |date = 20 May 2022 |title = Analysis: The curious case of Russia in Central African Republic |publisher = Al Jazeera |url = https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2022/5/20/the-curious-case-of-russias-romance-in-central-african-republic |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220601181619/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2022/5/20/the-curious-case-of-russias-romance-in-central-african-republic |archive-date = 1 June 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||first1 = Sauer |last1=Burke |first2 = Pjotr | last2=Jason |date = 16 December 2022 |title = Ally of Wagner Group boss hurt in 'assassination attempt' in central Africa |work = The Guardian |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/16/dmitry-sytii-ally-of-wagner-boss-injured-in-car-after-assassination-attempt |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221217001123/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/16/dmitry-sytii-ally-of-wagner-boss-injured-in-car-after-assassination-attempt |archive-date = 17 December 2022 }}</ref> The first ] was held in October 2019 in ], Russia, co-hosted by Putin and Egyptian president ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Gershkovich |first1=Evan |title=At Russia's Inaugural Africa Summit, Moscow Sells Sovereignty |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/10/26/russias-inaugural-africa-summit-moscow-sells-sovereignty-a67916 |work=] |date=26 October 2019}}</ref> The meeting was attended by 43 heads of state and government from African countries.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Putin: relations with Africa are a 'priority' for Moscow |url=https://www.africanews.com/2023/03/20/putin-relations-with-africa-are-a-priority-for-moscow/ |work=Africa News |date=20 March 2023}}</ref>

In October 2019, Putin visited the United Arab Emirates, where six agreements were struck with ] Crown Prince ]. One of them included shared investments between ] and the Emirati investment fund ]. The two nations signed deals worth over $1.3bn, in energy, health and advance technology sectors.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://youngherald.com/2019/10/vladimir-putin-signs-deals-worth-1-3bn-during-uae-visit/ |title = Vladimir Putin signs deals worth $1.3bn during UAE visit |access-date = 17 October 2019 |website = Young Herald |archive-date = 26 February 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210226021123/http://youngherald.com/2019/10/vladimir-putin-signs-deals-worth-1-3bn-during-uae-visit/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> On 22 October 2021, Putin highlighted the "unique bond" between Russia and Israel during a meeting with Israeli prime minister ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Putin highlights unique bond formed between Russia, Israel |url = https://tass.com/politics/1352943 |access-date = 4 March 2022 |agency = TASS }}</ref>

== Public image ==
{{Main|Public image of Vladimir Putin}}
], a monument to victims of ], October 2017.]]

=== Polls and rankings ===
The director of the ] stated in 2015 that drawing conclusions from Russian poll results or comparing them to polls in democratic states was irrelevant, as there is no real political competition in Russia, where, unlike in democratic states, Russian voters are not offered any credible alternatives and public opinion is primarily formed by state-controlled media, which promotes those in power and discredits alternative candidates.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Opinion: The truth about Putin's 86-percent approval rating. How people fail to understand survey data about support for the Kremlin |url = https://meduza.io/en/feature/2015/12/10/opinion-the-truth-about-putin-s-86-percent-approval-rating |website = Meduza |access-date = 10 December 2015 |language = en-US |quote = It's wrong to compare directly the ratings of Russian and foreign politicians. In democratic countries, politics is based on competition and the constant contestation between different candidates and platforms. The Russian political system, on the other hand, is based on the absence of a credible alternative. Accordingly, public approval doesn't indicate the country's assessment of concrete political decisions, but a general acceptance of the course chosen by those in power. }}</ref>
] in 2007]]
In a June 2007 public opinion survey, Putin's approval rating was 81%, the second-highest of any leader in the world that year.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Madslien |first = Jorn |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6265068.stm |title = Russia's economic might: spooky or soothing? |work = BBC News |date = 4 July 2007 |access-date = 2 March 2010 }}</ref> In January 2013, at the time of the ], Putin's rating fell to 62%, the lowest since 2000.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Arkhipov |first = Ilya |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-24/putin-approval-rating-falls-to-lowest-since-2000-poll.html |title = Putin Approval Rating Falls to Lowest Since 2000: Poll |publisher = Bloomberg L.P. |date = 24 January 2013 |access-date = 22 June 2013 }}</ref> After ], Putin's approval rating reached 87% in August 2014.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date = 6 August 2014 |title = Putin's Approval Rating Soars to 87%, Poll Says |work = ] |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/archive/putins-approval-rating-soars-to-87-poll-says |access-date = 6 July 2021 }}</ref> In February 2015, based on domestic polling, Putin was ranked the world's most popular politician.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = The world's most popular politicians: Putin's approval rating hits 86% |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/chart-putins-popularity-reaches-86-but-how-does-it-compare-to-other-world-leaders-10075063.html |agency = Independent |date = 27 February 2015 }}</ref> In June 2015, Putin's approval rating climbed to 89%, an all-time high.<ref name="guardian">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Vladimir Putin's approval rating at record levels |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/datablog/2015/jul/23/vladimir-putins-approval-rating-at-record-levels |work = The Guardian |date = 23 July 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||script-title = ru:Июльские рейтинги одобрения и доверия |url = http://www.levada.ru/old/23-07-2015/iyulskie-reitingi-odobreniya-i-doveriya |agency = Levada Centre |date = 23 July 2015 |language = ru |access-date = 29 March 2016 |archive-date = 29 January 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170129233623/http://www.levada.ru/old/23-07-2015/iyulskie-reitingi-odobreniya-i-doveriya |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin's approval ratings hit 89 percent, the highest they've ever been |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/06/24/putins-approval-ratings-hit-89-percent-the-highest-theyve-ever-been/ |newspaper = The Washington Post |date = 24 June 2015 }}</ref> Observers saw Putin's high approval ratings in 2010s as a consequence of improvements in living standards, and Russia's reassertion on the world scene during his presidency.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.oprosy.info/news.php?extend.25 |title = Quarter of Russians Think Living Standards Improved During Putin's Rule |language = ru |publisher = Oprosy.info |access-date = 22 June 2013 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130731141629/http://www.oprosy.info/news.php?extend.25 |archive-date = 31 July 2013 }}</ref><ref> by ], 4 December 2007, ''The Times''.</ref> Putin was also highly popular in some ] countries, such as ], where his approval rating was 89% in 2017.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title=Anti-Western and hyper macho, Putin's appeal in Southeast Asia |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/18/anti-western-and-hyper-macho-putins-appeal-in-southeast-asia |work=Al Jazeera |date=18 November 2022}}</ref>

Despite high approval for Putin, public confidence in the Russian economy was low, dropping to levels in 2016 that rivaled the lows in 2009 at the height of the global economic crisis.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.gallup.com/poll/207491/economic-problems-corruption-fail-dent-putin-image.aspx |title = Economic Problems, Corruption Fail to Dent Putin's Image. |website = gallup.com |date = 28 March 2017 |access-date = 7 June 2017 }}</ref> Putin's performance in reining in corruption is unpopular among Russians. '']'' reported in 2017 that a poll "indicated that 67% held Putin personally responsible for high-level corruption".<ref name="Newsweek">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.newsweek.com/2017/04/28/alexei-navalny-russia-vladimir-putin-donald-trump-corruption-protests-moscow-585004.html |title = Alexei Navalny: Is Russia's Anti-Corruption Crusader Vladimir Putin's Kryptonite? |website = Newsweek |date = 17 April 2017 |access-date = 7 June 2017 }}</ref> Corruption ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = New Reports Highlight Russia's Deep-Seated Culture of Corruption |url = https://www.voanews.com/europe/new-reports-highlight-russias-deep-seated-culture-corruption |publisher = ] |date = 26 January 2020 |access-date = 16 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.transparency.org/en/news/countering-russian-kleptocrats-wests-response-to-assault-on-ukraine |title = Countering Russian Keptocrats: What the West's Response to Assault on Ukraine Should Look Like |website = Transparency International |date = 4 March 2022 |quote = Corruption is endemic in Russia. With a score of just 29 out of 100, Russia is the lowest-ranking country in Europe on Transparency International's 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index. }}</ref>

]

In October 2018, two-thirds of Russians surveyed agreed that "Putin bears full responsibility for the problems of the country", which has been attributed<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = "Левада-Центр": две трети россиян считают, что в проблемах страны виноват Путин |url = https://www.znak.com/2018-11-22/levada_centr_dve_treti_rossiyan_schitayut_chto_v_problemah_strany_vinovat_putin |access-date = 22 November 2018 |website = ] |archive-date = 18 January 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220118045149/https://www.znak.com/2018-11-22/levada_centr_dve_treti_rossiyan_schitayut_chto_v_problemah_strany_vinovat_putin |url-status = dead }}</ref> to a decline in a popular belief in "]", a traditional attitude towards justifying failures at the top of the ruling hierarchy in Russia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url=https://www.refworld.org/docid/54fdafd74.html|title=Refworld {{!}} 'Good Tsar, Bad Boyars': Popular Attitudes and Azerbaijan's Future|work=Refworld|publisher=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees|access-date=22 November 2018}}</ref> In January 2019, the percentage of Russians trusting Putin hit a then-historic low—33%.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date = 18 January 2019 |title = Рейтинг доверия Путину достиг исторического минимума. Он упал вдвое с 2015 года |url = https://tvrain.ru/news/rejting_doverija_putinu_dostig_istoricheskogo_minimuma_on_upal_vdvoe_s_2015_goda-478970/ |access-date = 19 January 2019 |work = ] }}</ref> In April 2019 ] poll showed a record number of Russians, 20%, willing to permanently emigrate from Russia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://news.gallup.com/poll/248249/record-russians-say-leave-russia.aspx |title = Record 20% of Russians Say They Would Like to Leave Russia |website = Gallup.com |date = 4 April 2019 |access-date = 23 April 2019 }}</ref> The decline was even larger in the 17–25 age group, "who find themselves largely disconnected from the country's aging leadership, nostalgic Soviet rhetoric and nepotistic agenda". Putin's approval rating among young Russians was 32% in January 2019. The percentage willing to emigrate permanently in this group was 41%. 60% had favorable views of the US (three times more than in the 55+ age group).<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/06/17/how-putin-kremlin-lost-russian-youths/ |title = How Putin and the Kremlin lost Russian youths |newspaper = The Washington Post }}</ref> Decline in support for the president and government is visible in other polls, such as a rapidly growing readiness to protest against poor living conditions.

In May 2020, amid the COVID crisis, Putin's approval rating was 68%, when respondents were presented a list of names (closed question),<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Доверие политикам (1) |url = https://wciom.ru/news/ratings/doverie_politikam_1/ |website = wciom.ru |access-date = 25 May 2020 }}</ref> and 27% when respondents were expected to name politicians they trust (open question).<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Доверие политикам (2) |url = https://wciom.ru/news/ratings/doverie_politikam/ |website = wciom.ru |access-date = 25 May 2020 }}</ref> This has been attributed to continued post-Crimea economic stagnation but also an apathetic response to the pandemic crisis in Russia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Kolesnikov |first = Andrei |date = 15 June 2020 |title = Why Putin's Rating Is at a Record Low |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/06/15/why-putins-rating-is-at-a-record-low-a70572 |access-date = 16 June 2020 |website = Moscow Times }}</ref> Polls conducted in November 2021 after the failure of a ] indicated distrust of Putin was a major contributing factor for ], with regional polls indicating numbers as low as 20–30% in the Volga Federal District.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Trust fall The Kremlin plans to reboot Russia's mass vaccination campaign, but there are worries this will bring down Putin's ratings |url = https://meduza.io/en/feature/2021/11/16/trust-fall |access-date = 16 November 2021 |website = Meduza }}</ref>

In May 2021, 33% indicated Putin in response to "who would you vote for this weekend?" among Moscow respondents and 40% outside Moscow.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Москвичи рассказали, кого видят президентом. На первом месте Путин, потом Навальный |url = https://www.znak.com/2021-05-18/moskvichi_rasskazali_kogo_vidyat_prezidentom_na_pervom_meste_putin_potom_navalnyy |access-date = 18 May 2021 |website = ] |archive-date = 27 October 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211027072330/https://www.znak.com/2021-05-18/moskvichi_rasskazali_kogo_vidyat_prezidentom_na_pervom_meste_putin_potom_navalnyy |url-status = dead }}</ref> A survey released in October 2021 found 53% of respondents saying they trusted Putin.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = What Vladimir Putin Is Up To in Ukraine |url = https://time.com/6122671/vladimir-putin-ukraine/ |magazine = ] |date = 22 November 2021 }}</ref>

Observers see a ] among Russians over perception of Putin's rule, with younger Russians more probably to be against Putin and older Russians more likely to accept the narrative presented by state-controlled ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = How do young Ukrainians and Russians feel about another war? |url = https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/7/not-worth-fighting-for-young-ukrainians-and-russians-shun-war |publisher = Al Jazeera |date = 7 February 2022 }}</ref> Putin's support among Russians aged 18–24 was only 20% in December 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Vladimir Putin's popularity with young Russians plummeting, opinion poll finds |url = https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/vladimir-putins-popularity-with-young-russians-plummeting-opinion-poll-finds-678xx6gd5 |work = The Times |date = 11 December 2020 }}</ref>
] survey showed that 58% of surveyed Russians supported the ] against high-level corruption.<ref>"" (in Russian). ]. 13 June 2017. Retrieved 17 June 2020.</ref>]]

Following the ] in 2022, state-controlled TV, where most Russians get their news, presented the invasion as a "special military operation" and liberation mission, in line with the government's narrative.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = 'Pure Orwell': how Russian state media spins invasion as liberation |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/pure-orwell-how-russian-state-media-spins-ukraine-invasion-as-liberation |work = ] |date = 25 February 2022 }}</ref><ref name="masha-gessen-invasion">{{cite magazine |last = Gessen |title = The War That Russians Do Not See |first = Masha |url = https://www.newyorker.com/news/dispatch/03/14/the-war-that-russians-do-not-see |magazine = ] |date = 4 March 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Ukrainians Find That Relatives in Russia Don't Believe It's a War |first = Valerie |last = Hopkins |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/06/world/europe/ukraine-russia-families.html |work = The New York Times |date = 6 March 2022 }}</ref> The Russian censorship apparatus '']'' ordered the country's media to employ information only from state sources or face fines and blocks.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 24 February 2022 |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/use-only-official-sources-about-ukraine-war-russian-media-watchdog-tells-journalists-a76567 |title = Use Only Official Sources About Ukraine War, Russian Media Watchdog Tells Journalists |website = ] |access-date = 24 February 2022 |archive-date = 24 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220224123216/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/use-only-official-sources-about-ukraine-war-russian-media-watchdog-tells-journalists-a76567 |url-status = live }}</ref> The Russian media was banned from using the words "war", "invasion" or "aggression" to describe the invasion,<ref name="masha-gessen-invasion"/> with media outlets being blocked as a result.<ref name="nyt-approval-march-2022">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/31/world/europe/putin-approval-rating-russia.html |title = Faced with foreign pressure, Russians rally around Putin, poll shows. |website = The New York Times |date = 31 March 2022 }}</ref>

In late February 2022, a survey conducted by the independent research group Russian Field found that 59% of respondents supported the "special military operation" in Ukraine.<ref name="opendemocracy">{{#invoke:cite news||title = In Russia, opinion polls are a political weapon |url = https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/russia-opinion-polls-war-ukraine/ |work = ] |date = 9 March 2022 }}</ref> According to the poll, in the group of 18-to-24-year-olds, only 29% supported the "special military operation".<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Misinformation colors how Russians are seeing the Ukrainian war |url = https://thehill.com/policy/international/597863-misinformation-colors-how-russians-are-seeing-the-ukrainian-war |work = ] |date = 11 March 2022 }}</ref> In late February and mid-March 2022 two polls surveyed Russians' sentiments about the "special military operation" in Ukraine. The results were obtained by ].<ref name="lib">{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.svoboda.org/amp/nezavisimye-sotsiologi-71-rossiyan-ispytyvaet-gordostj-iz-za-voyny-s-ukrainoy/31757535.html |title = Независимые социологи: 71% россиян испытывает гордость из-за войны с Украиной |date = 17 March 2022 |publisher = ] }}</ref> 71% of Russians polled said that they supported the "special military operation" in Ukraine.<ref name="Belsat TV-2022">{{#invoke:cite web||date = 18 March 2022 |title = Independent sociologists: The vast majority of Russians feel proud of the war with Ukraine |url = https://belsat.eu/en/news/18-03-2022-majority-of-russians-proud-of-war-with-ukraine-experts-say/ |publisher = ] |language = en }}</ref><ref name="lib"/>
], two-thirds of the ] live in countries that are neutral or leaning towards Russia.<ref name="Time-Stengel"/>]]
When asked how they were affected by the actions of Putin, a third said they strongly believed Putin was working in their interests. Another 26% said he was working in their interests to some extent. In general, most Russians believe that it would be better if Putin remained president for as long as possible.<ref name="Belsat TV-2022" /><ref name="lib"/> Similarly, a survey conducted in early March found 58% of Russian respondents approved of the operation.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date = 8 March 2022 |title = 58 percent of Russians support the invasion of Ukraine, and 23 percent oppose it, new poll shows |newspaper = ] |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/08/russia-public-opinion-ukraine-invasion/ |url-status = live |archive-url = https://archive.today/20220314102356/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/08/russia-public-opinion-ukraine-invasion/ |archive-date = 14 March 2022 |access-date = 16 June 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin rebuilds the Iron Curtain |url = https://www.axios.com/russia-ukraine-iron-curtain-4e03e4dd-cdaf-4029-97a7-e15a8cd2f4d1.html |work = ] |date = 11 March 2022 }}</ref>

In March 2022, 97% of Ukrainians said they had an unfavorable view of Putin, and 98% of Ukrainians—including 82% of ] living in Ukraine—said they did not believe any part of Ukraine was rightfully part of Russia.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Ukrainians want to stay and fight, but don't see Russian people as the enemy. A remarkable poll from Kyiv |url = https://www.europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/ukrainians-want-to-stay-and-fight-but-dont-see-russian-people-as-the-enemy-a-remarkable-poll-from-kyiv/ |work = ] |date = 14 March 2022 }}</ref> A poll published on 30 March in Russia saw Putin's approval rating jump, from 71% in February, to 83%.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russians in the dark about true state of war amid country's Orwellian media coverage |url = https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/03/media/russia-media-ukraine-cmd-intl/index.html |publisher = CNN |date = 3 April 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.levada.ru/2022/03/30/odobrenie-institutov-rejtingi-partij-i-politikov/ |title = Одобрение Институтов, Рейтинги Партий И Политиков |website = levada.ru |date = 30 March 2022 }}</ref> However, experts warned that the figures may not accurately reflect the public mood, as the public tends to rally around leaders during war and some may be hiding their true opinions,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/31/putins-approval-surges-after-launch-of-military-operation-in-ukraine-a77162 |title = Putin's Approval Surges After Launch of 'Military Operation' in Ukraine |website = Moscow Times |date = 31 March 2022 }}</ref> especially with the ] prohibiting dissemination of "fake information" about the military.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.bbc.com/russian/news-60662712 |title = Поддерживают ли россияне войну в Украине? Смотря как спросить |website = BBC News Russian |date = 8 March 2022 }}</ref> Many respondents do not want to answer pollsters' questions for fear of negative consequences.<ref name="opendemocracy"/> When researchers commissioned a survey on Russians' attitudes to the war, 29,400 out of 31,000 refused to answer.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1 = Yaffa |first1 = Joshua |title = Why Do So Many Russians Say They Support the War in Ukraine? |url = https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/why-do-so-many-russians-say-they-support-the-war-in-ukraine |magazine = The New Yorker }}</ref> The Levada Center's director, stated that early feelings of "shock and confusion" was being replaced with the belief that Russia was being besieged and that Russians must rally around their leader.<ref name="nyt-approval-march-2022"/> The Kremlin's analysis concluded that public support for the war was broad but not deep, and that most Russians would accept anything Putin labeled a victory. In September 2023, the head of the ] state pollster Valery Fyodorov said in an interview that only 10–15% of Russians actively supported the war, and that "most Russians are not demanding the conquest of Kyiv or Odesa".<ref name="NYTimes-2023-12-23"/>

A poll by the independent organization ], which was conducted on 22–28 June 2023, showed that 42% of respondents would vote for Putin in the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Одобрение институтов, рейтинги политиков и партий в конце июня 2023 года |url=https://www.levada.ru/2023/06/29/odobrenie-institutov-rejtingi-politikov-i-partij-v-kontse-iyunya-2023-goda/ |work=] |date=29 June 2023}}</ref> A public opinion poll by the state-owned institution ], which was conducted in November 2023, found that 37.3% of respondents would vote for Putin.<ref>{{cite news |title=Доверие политикам |url=https://wciom.ru/ratings/doverie-politikam/ |work=]}}</ref> According to a VCIOM poll conducted in early March 2024, 56.2% of respondents would vote for Putin.<ref>{{cite news |title=Выборы Президента России — 2024: новый рейтинг |url=https://wciom.ru/analytical-reviews/analiticheskii-obzor/vybory-prezidenta-rossii-2024-novyi-reiting |work=] |date=4 March 2024}}</ref>

=== Cult of personality ===
{{Main|Public image of Vladimir Putin}}
{{See also|List of cults of personality}}
], 2010 (])]]
Putin has cultivated a ] for himself with an outdoorsy, sporty, ] ], demonstrating his physical prowess and taking part in unusual or dangerous acts, such as extreme sports and interaction with wild animals,<ref name="abcnews.go.com">{{#invoke:cite web||last = Bass |first = Sadie |url = https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2009/08/putin-bolsters-tough-guy-image-with-shirtless-photos/ |title = Putin Bolsters Tough Guy Image With Shirtless Photos, Australian Broadcasting Corporation |work = ABC News |date = 5 August 2009 |access-date = 22 June 2013 }}</ref> part of a public relations approach that, according to '']'', "deliberately cultivates the macho, take-charge ] image."<ref name="Superputin">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Rawnsley |first = Adam |title = Pow! Zam! Nyet! 'Superputin' Battles Terrorists, Protesters in Online Comic |url = https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/05/pow-zam-nyet-superputin-battles-terrorists-protesters-in-online-comic/ |access-date = 27 May 2011 |newspaper = ] |date = 26 May 2011 }}</ref> In 2007, the tabloid '']'' published a huge photograph of a shirtless Putin vacationing in the Siberian mountains under the headline "Be Like Putin".<ref name="putin-shirtless">{{#invoke:cite news||agency = Associated Press |url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/putin-gone-wild-russia-abuzz-over-pics-of-shirtless-leader-1.639179 |title = Putin gone wild: Russia abuzz over pics of shirtless leader. |publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date = 22 August 2007 |access-date = 2 March 2010 }}</ref>

Numerous ] have accused Putin of seeking to create a cult of personality around himself, an accusation that the Kremlin has denied.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1 = Kravchenko |first1 = Stepan |last2 = Biryukov |first2 = Andrey |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-13/putin-doesn-t-like-cult-of-personality-of-putin-kremlin-says |title = Putin Doesn't Like Cult of Personality of Putin, Kremlin Says |publisher = ] |date = 13 March 2020 |access-date = 3 August 2021 }}</ref> Some of Putin's activities have been criticised for being staged;<ref name=amphorae>, ''The Daily Telegraph''. Retrieved 16 March 2012.</ref><ref name="Fishy">{{#invoke:cite news||url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/oukoe-uk-russia-putin-fish-idUKBRE96S0CY20130729 |title = Russians smell something fishy in Putin's latest stunt |work = Reuters |access-date = 12 August 2013 |date = 29 July 2013 }}</ref> outside of Russia, his macho image has been the subject of parody.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||first1 = Boris |last1 = Kavic |first2 = Marja |last2 = Novak |first3 = Jeremy |last3 = Gaunt |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-slovenia-putin-song-idUSKCN0W90Y0 |title = Slovenian comedian rocks with Putin parody; Trump to follow |work = Reuters |date = 8 March 2016 |access-date = 21 May 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.spectator.co.uk/2016/03/a-senile-putin-becomes-a-parody-of-his-own-parody/ |title = A senile Putin becomes a parody of his own parody |date = 19 March 2016 |website = The Spectator |access-date = 18 May 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||year = 2015 |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/09/putin-macho-stunt-fitness-fitspiration-instagam |website = The Guardian |title = Let Putin be your fitness inspiration hero }}</ref> Putin's height has been estimated by Kremlin insiders to be between {{convert|155|and|165|cm|ftin|abbr=off}} tall but is usually given at {{convert|170|cm|ftin|abbr=off}}.<ref name="height">{{#invoke:cite web||last = Van Vugt |first = Mark |author-link = Mark van Vugt |date = 7 May 2014 |title = Does Putin Suffer From the Napoleon Complex? |url = http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/naturally-selected/201405/does-putin-suffer-the-napoleon-complex |access-date = 7 December 2018 |website = ] }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2011/oct/18/world-leader-heights-tall |title = Statesmen and stature: how tall are our world leaders? |date = 18 October 2011 |website = The Guardian |access-date = 27 December 2018 }}</ref>

There are many songs about Putin,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.openspace.ru/music_modern/projects/112/details/593/ |title = Песни про Путина |website = Openspace.ru |date = 14 March 2008 |access-date = 7 May 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090918192949/http://www.openspace.ru/music_modern/projects/112/details/593 |archive-date = 18 September 2009 }}</ref> and Putin's name and image are widely used in advertisement and product branding.<ref name="Superputin" /> Among the Putin-branded products are ] vodka, the ] brand of canned food, the ''Gorbusha Putina'' ], and a collection of T-shirts with his image.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402153600/http://www.gazeta.spb.ru/12122-0/ |date=2 April 2015 }} ] 30 November 2007.</ref>

=== Public recognition in the West ===
In 2007, he was the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Person of the Year 2007 |url = http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/0,28757,1690753,00.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080907034052/http://time.com/time/specials/2007/0,28757,1690753,00.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 7 September 2008 |magazine = Time |year = 2007 |access-date = 8 July 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Putin Answers Questions From Time Magazine |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFMQz6AN3B0 |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/rFMQz6AN3B0 |archive-date = 11 December 2021 |url-status = live |via = YouTube |date = 20 December 2007 |access-date = 21 June 2016 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 2015, he was No. 1 on the ].<ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://time.com/70855/vladimir-putin-2014-time-100/ |title = Vladimir Putin – The Russian Leader Who Truly Tests The West |first1 = Madeleine |last1 = Albright |date = 23 April 2014 |magazine = Time |access-date = 2 November 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.newsweek.com/putin-smart-truly-evil-man-says-madeleine-albright-450332 |title = Putin Is a 'Smart But Truly Evil Man,' says Madeleine Albright |first1 = Damien |last1 = Sharkov |date = 20 April 2016 |magazine = Newsweek |access-date = 2 November 2016 }}</ref> '']'' ranked him the ] every year from 2013 to 2016.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = The World's Most Powerful People 2016 |url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidewalt/2016/12/14/the-worlds-most-powerful-people-2016/ |work = Forbes |date = 14 December 2016 |quote = For the fourth consecutive year, Forbes ranked Russian President Vladimir Putin as the world's most powerful person. From the motherland to Syria to the U.S. presidential elections, Russia's leader continues to get what he wants. }}</ref> He was ranked the second most powerful individual by ''Forbes'' in 2018.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidewalt/2018/05/08/the-worlds-most-powerful-people-2018 |title = The World's Most Powerful People 2018 |last1 = Ewalt |first1 = David M. |date = 8 May 2018 |work = Forbes |access-date = 10 May 2018 }}</ref>

In Germany, the word "]" (female form "Putinversteherin") is a ] and a ] (''Putin'' + '']''), which literally translates "Putin understander", i.e., "one who understands Putin".<ref name="umland2016">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Umland |first = Andreas |url = http://hir.harvard.edu/article/?a=12634 |title = The Putinverstehers' Misconceived Charge of Russophobia |date = 21 January 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170615114641/http://hir.harvard.edu/article/?a=12634 |archive-date = 15 June 2017 }}</ref> It is a pejorative reference to politicians and pundits who express ] to Putin and may also be translated as "Putin-empathizer".<ref name="gregory">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Gregory |first = Paul Roderick |url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulroderickgregory/2014/04/05/empathizing-with-the-devil-how-germanys-putin-verstehers-shield-russia/ |title = Empathizing With The Devil: How Germany's Putin–Verstehers Shield Russia |date = 5 April 2014 |website = ] }}</ref>

=== Putinisms ===
Putin has produced many aphorisms and catch-phrases known as ].<ref name="putinisms">{{citation |last = Sukhotsky |first = Cyril |title = |date = 5 March 2004 |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/russian/russia/newsid_3535000/3535811.stm |work = ] |trans-title = Putinism – 'Thoughtful personal outrageous?'|script-title = ru:Путинизмы – 'продуманный личный эпатаж?' |language = ru |access-date = }}</ref> Many of them were first made during his annual Q&A conferences, where Putin answered questions from journalists and other people in the studio, as well as from Russians throughout the country, who either phoned in or spoke from studios and outdoor sites across Russia. Putin is known for his often tough and sharp language, often alluding to ] and folk sayings.<ref name=putinisms /> Putin sometimes uses Russian criminal jargon (known as "]" in Russian), albeit not always correctly.<ref>{{citation |last = Kharatyan |first = Kirill |title = |date = 25 December 2012 |url = http://www.vedomosti.ru/opinion/articles/2012/12/25/citata_nedeli |work = ] |trans-title = Vladimir Putin's Jargon |script-title = ru:Кирилл Харатьян: Жаргон Владимира Путина |language = ru |access-date = }}</ref>

== Assessments ==
] on a billboard reads Russian: {{lang|ru|За Путина}} ({{literally|For Putin}}), 24 September 2022.]]

Assessments of Putin's character as a leader have evolved during his long presidency. His shifting of Russia towards autocracy and weakening of the system of representative government advocated by ] has met with criticism.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/06/vladimir-putin-15-ways-he-changed-russia-world |title = 15 Years of Vladimir Putin: 15 Ways He Has Changed Russia and the World |website = The Guardian |date = 6 May 2015 }}</ref> Russian dissidents and western leaders now frequently characterise him as a "dictator". Others have offered favourable assessments of his impact on Russia.

], the last ] of ] and former ], was an early critic of Putin. In a newspaper interview<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article237556125/Wladimir-Putin-Eiskalter-Buerokrat-Otto-von-Habsburg-warnte-schon-2003-vor-ihm.html|title = Wladimir Putin: 'Eiskalter Bürokrat' – Otto von Habsburg warnte schon 2003 vor ihm|newspaper = Die Welt|date = 15 March 2022|last1 = Jäkel|first1 = Lara}}</ref> in 2002 and in two speeches<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om2Fl9Y3I2I|title = Über Putin: Wie Otto von Habsburg ihn einschätzte (2003 und 2005)|website = ]| date=8 March 2022 }}</ref> in 2003 and 2005, he warned of Putin as an "international threat", that he was "cruel and oppressive", and a "stone cold technocrat".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/interview-mit-otto-von-habsburg-putin-ist-ein-eiskalter-technokrat-1.750949|title=Putin ist ein eiskalter Technokrat|first=Oliver Das|last=Gupta|website=Süddeutsche.de|date=5 November 2005}}</ref>

Putin was described in 2015 as a "dictator" by political opponent ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Kasparov |first = Garry |author-link = Garry Kasparov |title = Garry Kasparov: How the United States and Its Western Allies Propped Up Putin |url = https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/10/putin-russia-obama-kasparov/412804/ |website = The Atlantic |date = 28 October 2015 |access-date = 9 April 2016 }}</ref> and as the "Tsar of corruption" in 2016 by opposition activist and blogger ].<ref>; BBC; 23 January 2016</ref> He was described as a "bully" and "arrogant" by former U.S. secretary of state ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.politico.com/blogs/live-from-charleston-sc/2016/01/hillary-clinton-vladimir-putin-its-interesting-217926 |title = Hillary Clinton Describes Relationship With Putin: 'It's... interesting' |date = 17 January 2016 |website = Politico |access-date = 14 April 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Hillary Clinton: Putin is Arrogant and Tough |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wJXJWL8XgY |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160625091510/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wJXJWL8XgY&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date = 25 June 2016 |url-status = dead |via = YouTube |publisher = GPS with Fareed Zakaria |date = 27 July 2014 |access-date = 15 July 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = President Vladimir Putin on Sec. Hillary Clinton |url = http://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2016/06/17/exp-gps-putin-on-hillary.cnn |publisher = CNN |access-date = 15 July 2016 }}</ref> and as "self-centered" by the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/vladimir-putin/11080133/Dalai-Lama-attacks-self-centred-Vladimir-Putin.html |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/vladimir-putin/11080133/Dalai-Lama-attacks-self-centred-Vladimir-Putin.html |archive-date = 10 January 2022 |url-access = subscription |url-status = live |title = Dalai Lama attacks 'self-centered' Vladimir Putin |date = 7 September 2014 |website = The Daily Telegraph |access-date = 9 April 2016 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 2015, opposition politician ] said that Putin was turning Russia into a "raw materials colony" of China.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/01/05/decoding-vladimir-putins-plan-for-russia |title = Decoding Vladimir Putin's Plan |website = U.S. News & World Report |date = 5 January 2015 }}</ref>

Former U.S. secretary of state ] wrote in 2014 that the West has demonized Putin.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/henry-kissinger-to-settle-the-ukraine-crisis-start-at-the-end/2014/03/05/46dad868-a496-11e3-8466-d34c451760b9_story.html |author = Henry Kissinger |title = How The Ukraine Crisis Ends |newspaper = ] |date = 5 March 2014 |author-link = Henry Kissinger }}</ref> ], former leader of East Germany, said the Cold War never ended, adding: "After weak presidents like Gorbachev and Yeltsin, it is a great fortune for Russia that it has Putin."<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Rosenberg |first1 = Steve |title = Berlin Wall anniversary: The 'worst night of my life' |work = BBC News |date = 9 October 2019 |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49971599 |access-date = 21 July 2020 }}</ref>

Many Russians credit Putin for reviving Russia's fortunes.<ref name="International Business Times-2014">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/mikhail-gorbachev-claims-vladimir-putin-saved-russia-falling-apart-1481065 |title = Mikhail Gorbachev claims Vladimir Putin saved Russia from falling apart |website = International Business Times |date = 27 December 2014 }}</ref> Former Soviet Union leader ], while acknowledging the flawed democratic procedures and restrictions on media freedom during the Putin presidency, said that Putin had pulled Russia out of chaos at the end of the Yeltsin years, and that Russians "must remember that Putin saved Russia from the beginning of a collapse".<ref name="International Business Times-2014" /><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||first = Doug |last = Struck |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/04/AR2007120402218.html |title = Gorbachev Applauds Putin's Achievements |newspaper = The Washington Post |date = 5 December 2007 }}</ref> ] head and Putin supporter, ], stated prior to 2011 that Putin saved both the Chechen people and Russia.<ref> p. 278, Brian D. Taylor. Cambridge University Press, 2011.</ref>

Russia has suffered ] during Putin's tenure.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1 = Bader |first1 = Max |last2 = Ham |first2 = Carolien van |year = 2015 |title = What explains regional variation in election fraud? Evidence from Russia: a research note |journal = Post-Soviet Affairs |volume = 31 |issue = 6 |pages = 514–528 |doi = 10.1080/1060586X.2014.969023 |s2cid = 154548875 |issn = 1060-586X |url = https://ris.utwente.nl/ws/files/276252005/Bader2015what.pdf |access-date = 14 July 2023 |archive-date = 9 July 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230709195613/https://ris.utwente.nl/ws/files/276252005/Bader2015what.pdf |url-status = dead }}</ref> ] has listed Russia as being "not free" since 2005.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2005/russia|title=Russia {{!}} Country report {{!}} Freedom in the World {{!}} 2005|publisher=Dreedom House|access-date=30 December 2016|archive-date=31 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231075259/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2005/russia|url-status=dead}}</ref> Experts do not generally consider Russia to be a democracy,<ref name="Gill-2016">{{cite book |year = 2016 |title = Building an Authoritarian Polity: Russia in Post-Soviet Times |url = http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/politics-international-relations/russian-and-east-european-government-politics-and-policy/building-authoritarian-polity-russia-post-soviet-times?format=HB&isbn=9781107130081 |last = Gill |first = Graeme |edition = hardback |publisher = Cambridge University Press |isbn = 978-1-107-13008-1 }}</ref><ref name="Diamond-2015">{{Cite journal |last = Diamond |first = Larry |date = 7 January 2015 |title = Facing Up to the Democratic Recession |journal = Journal of Democracy |volume = 26 |issue = 1 |pages = 141–155 |doi = 10.1353/jod.2015.0009 |s2cid = 38581334 |issn = 1086-3214 |url = https://muse.jhu.edu/article/565645 }}</ref><ref name="Levitsky-2010">{{Cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=NZDI05p1PDgC |title = Competitive Authoritarianism: Hybrid Regimes after the Cold War |last1 = Levitsky |first1 = Steven |last2 = Way |first2 = Lucan A. |date = 2010 |publisher = Cambridge University Press |isbn = 978-1-139-49148-8 }}</ref> citing purges and jailing of political opponents,<ref name="Reuter-2017">{{Cite book |last = Reuter |first = Ora John |url = http://ebooks.cambridge.org/ref/id/CBO9781316761649 |title = The Origins of Dominant Parties: Building Authoritarian Institutions in Post-Soviet Russia |date = 2017 |publisher = Cambridge University Press |isbn = 978-1-316-76164-9 |edition = E-book |doi = 10.1017/9781316761649 |access-date = 24 July 2018 |archive-date = 11 December 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191211113905/http://ebooks.cambridge.org/ref/id/CBO9781316761649 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1 = Gainous |first1 = Jason |last2 = Wagner |first2 = Kevin M. |last3 = Ziegler |first3 = Charles E. |year = 2018 |title = Digital media and political opposition in authoritarian systems: Russia's 2011 and 2016 Duma elections |journal = Democratization |volume = 25 |issue = 2 |pages = 209–226 |doi = 10.1080/13510347.2017.1315566 |s2cid = 152199313 |issn = 1351-0347 }}</ref> curtailed press freedom,<ref>{{cite book |last = Gelman |first = Vladimir |title = Authoritarian Russia: Analyzing Post-Soviet Regime Changes |publisher = ] |year = 2015 |doi = 10.2307/j.ctt155jmv1 |isbn = 978-0-8229-6368-4 |jstor = j.ctt155jmv1 |author-link = Vladimir Gelman }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last = Ross |first = Cameron |year = 2018 |title = Regional elections in Russia: instruments of authoritarian legitimacy or instability? |journal = Palgrave Communications |volume = 4 |issue = 1 |pages = 1–9 |doi = 10.1057/s41599-018-0137-1 |issn = 2055-1045 |doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last = White |first = Stephen |editor1-first = Stephen |editor1-last = White |date = 2014 |title = Russia's Authoritarian Elections |doi = 10.4324/9781315872100 |isbn = 978-1-315-87210-0 }}</ref> and the lack of free and fair elections.<ref>{{cite journal |last = Ross |first = Cameron |year = 2011 |title = Regional Elections and Electoral Authoritarianism in Russia |journal = Europe-Asia Studies |volume = 63 |issue = 4 |pages = 641–661 |doi = 10.1080/09668136.2011.566428 |s2cid = 154016379 |issn = 0966-8136 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1 = Skovoroda |first1 = Rodion |last2 = Lankina |first2 = Tomila |year = 2017 |title = Fabricating votes for Putin: new tests of fraud and electoral manipulations from Russia |journal = Post-Soviet Affairs |volume = 33 |issue = 2 |pages = 100–123 |doi = 10.1080/1060586X.2016.1207988 |s2cid = 54830119 |issn = 1060-586X |url = http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/67182/1/Lankiina_Fabricating%20votes.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1 = Moser |first1 = Robert G. |last2 = White |first2 = Allison C. |year = 2017 |title = Does electoral fraud spread? The expansion of electoral manipulation in Russia |journal = Post-Soviet Affairs |volume = 33 |issue = 2 |pages = 85–99 |doi = 10.1080/1060586X.2016.1153884 |s2cid = 54037737 |issn = 1060-586X }}</ref> In 2004, Freedom House warned that Russia's "retreat from freedom marks a low point not registered since 1989, when the country was part of the Soviet Union".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url=https://freedomhouse.org/article/russia-downgraded-not-free?page=70&release=242|title=Russia Downgraded to 'Not Free' {{!}} Freedom House|website=freedomhouse.org|access-date=30 December 2016|archive-date=1 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101001014/https://freedomhouse.org/article/russia-downgraded-not-free?page=70&release=242|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The ] has rated Russia as "authoritarian" since 2011,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.yabiladi.com/img/content/EIU-Democracy-Index-2015.pdf |title = Democracy Index 2015: Democracy in an age of anxiety |website = yabiladi.com }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2022/02/09/a-new-low-for-global-democracy |title = A new low for global democracy |newspaper = The Economist |date = 9 February 2022 }}</ref> whereas it had previously been considered a "]" (with "some form of democratic government" in place).<ref name="Democracy">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.economist.com/media/pdf/DEMOCRACY_INDEX_2007_v3.pdf |title = Index of democracy by Economist Intelligence Unit |last = Kekic |first = Laza |newspaper = The Economist |access-date = 27 December 2007 }}</ref> According to political scientist Larry Diamond, writing in 2015, "no serious scholar would consider Russia today a democracy."<ref>{{Cite journal |last = Diamond |first = Larry |date = 1 January 2015 |title = Facing Up to the Democratic Recession |journal = Journal of Democracy |volume = 26 |issue = 1 |pages = 141–155 |doi = 10.1353/jod.2015.0009 |s2cid = 38581334 |issn = 1086-3214 |url = https://muse.jhu.edu/article/565645 }}</ref>

Following the jailing of the anti-corruption blogger and activist ] in 2018, '']'' wrote: "Putin's actions are those of a dictator... As a leader with failing public support, he can only remain in power by using force and repression that gets worse by the day."<ref>; ''Forbes''; 18 July 2018</ref> In November 2021, '']'' also noted that Putin had "shifted from autocracy to dictatorship".<ref>; ''The Economist''; 13 November 2021</ref>

In February 2015, former U.S. ambassador to Germany ] wrote in '']'' that:<ref name="jkwsj">{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Kornblum |first1 = John |title = Time to Stop Letting Putin Win the War of Words |url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/john-kornblum-time-to-stop-letting-putin-win-the-war-of-words-1423438339 |work = The Wall Street Journal |date = 8 February 2015 }}</ref>
{{cquote|Western nations must start the turnaround by emphatically refuting one of Mr. Putin's favorite claims: that the West abrogated the promise of democratic partnership with Russia in the 1990 ], a document produced by a summit that included European governments, the U.S. and the Soviet Union, convened as Communism crumbled across Eastern Europe... The U.S. and its allies didn't rush in after 1990 to exploit a proud but collapsing Soviet Union – a tale that Mr. Putin now spins. I took part in nearly every major negotiation of that era. Never was the idea of humbling Russia considered even for a moment. The Russian leaders we encountered were not angry Prussian-style ] who railed against a strategic stab in the back. Many if not all viewed the fall of the Soviet Union as liberation rather than defeat... Contrary to Mr. Putin's fictions about NATO's illegal enlargement, the West has honored the agreements worked out with Russia two decades ago.
}} }}

=== After the 2022 invasion of Ukraine ===
Following mounting civilian casualties during the ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/thousands-civilians-mariupol-may-have-died-past-month-un-tells-reuters-2022-03-29/ |title = Thousands of civilians in Mariupol may have died in past month – UN tells Reuters |work = Reuters |date = 29 March 2022 }}</ref> U.S. president ] called Putin a war criminal and "murderous dictator".<ref name="Putin according to Biden">{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Parker |first1 = Ashley |title = Biden calls Putin a 'war criminal' |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/03/16/biden-zelensky-speech-response-aid/ |newspaper = The Washington Post |access-date = 18 March 2022 |date = 17 March 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Vazquez |first1 = Maegan |last2 = Carvajal |first2 = Nikki |title = Biden calls Putin a 'murderous dictator' and 'pure thug' |url = https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/17/politics/biden-putin-pure-thug/index.html |access-date = 6 April 2022 |publisher = CNN |date = 17 March 2022 }}</ref> In the ], Biden said that Putin had "badly miscalculated".<ref>; ''The Guardian''; 2 March 2022</ref> The ], ] likened Putin to ] of ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307020722/https://www.news.com.au/national/ukraines-un-envoy-likens-putin-to-hitler/video/1717033aba4373b46eb28437fac6aba2 |date=7 March 2022 }}; news.com.au; 1 March 2022</ref> Latvian prime minister ] also likened the Russian leader to Hitler, saying he was "a deluded autocrat creating misery for millions" and that "Putin is fighting against democracy (...) If he can attack Ukraine, theoretically it could be any other European country."<ref>; ''Reuters.com''; 25 February 2022</ref><ref>; ''Reuters.com''; 25 February 2022</ref>

Lithuania's foreign minister ] said, "The battle for Ukraine is a battle for Europe. If Putin is not stopped there, he will go further."<ref>; ''The Irish Times'']; 24 February 2022</ref> President ] of France said Putin was "deluding himself".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/03/world/europe/putin-macron-call.html|title=A Putin-Macron call leaves France persuaded that Russia wants 'control of all of Ukraine|work=The New York Times|first1=Aurelien|last1=Breeden|first2=Anton|last2=Troianovski|date=3 March 2022|access-date=20 March 2023}}</ref> French foreign minister ] denounced him as "a cynic and a dictator."<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1=Desai |first1=Shweta |title=French foreign minister calls Putin 'dictator' |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/french-foreign-minister-calls-putin-dictator-/2514003 |website=www.aa.com.tr |publisher=Anadolu Ajansı |access-date=22 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225012502/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/french-foreign-minister-calls-putin-dictator-/2514003 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |date=25 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> UK prime minister ] also labelled Putin a "dictator" who had authorised "a tidal wave of violence against a fellow Slavic people".<ref>; ''The Independent''; 24 February 2022</ref> Some authors, such as ], described Putin as a "messianic" ] and ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin's Thousand-Year War |url = https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/12/putins-thousand-year-war/ |work = Foreign Policy |date = 12 March 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = The cocktail of ideologies behind Vladimir Putin |url = https://www.dw.com/en/the-cocktail-of-ideologies-behind-vladimir-putin/a-61242466 |publisher = Deutsche Welle |date = 24 March 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = The Grand Theory Driving Putin to War |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/22/opinion/russia-ukraine-putin-eurasianism.html |work = The New York Times |date = 22 March 2022 }}</ref>

== Electoral history ==
{{Main|Electoral history of Vladimir Putin}}
Vladimir Putin has been nominated and elected as ] all five times since 2000, typically under an ] banner. In the most recent ], Putin achieved 88% of the popular vote.<ref>{{cite news |title=Putin 2024: Meduza breaks down the evidence pointing to the most fraudulent elections in modern Russian history |url=https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/21/putin-2024 |work=] |date=20 March 2024}}</ref> There were reports of ] at this election,<ref>{{cite news |title='Shpilkin method': Statistical tool gauges voter fraud in Putin landslide |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240320-shpilkin-method-statistical-analysis-gauges-voter-fraud-in-putin-landslide |work=France 24 |date=20 March 2024}}</ref> including ] and coercion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian Presidential Vote an 'Imitation,' Election Watchdog Golos Says |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/03/18/russian-presidential-vote-an-imitation-election-watchdog-golos-says-a84511 |work=] |date=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 March 2024 |title=Ukrainians living under Russian occupation are coerced to vote for Putin |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-occupied-election-voting-arrests-eb0b0d872cf55e561dc221bbc53d63d4 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=14 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314171133/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-occupied-election-voting-arrests-eb0b0d872cf55e561dc221bbc53d63d4 |url-status=live }}</ref> Russian authorities claimed that in occupied areas of Ukraine's ] and ] regions,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vasilyeva |first1=Olga |title=The election that wasn't |url=https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2024/03/20/the-election-that-wasnt-en |work=] |date=20 March 2024}}</ref> Putin won 88.12% and 92.83% of votes.<ref>{{cite news |title=After Putin's election: Further isolation of Russia? |url=https://jam-news.net/putins-fifth-term-will-russia-become-more-isolated/ |work=JAMnews |date=20 March 2024}}</ref> In ], Putin won 98.99% of the vote.<ref name="Le Monde"/>

== Personal life ==
=== Family ===
{{Main|Family of Vladimir Putin}}
] during their wedding on 28 July 1983]]

On 28 July 1983, Putin married ], and they lived together in East Germany from 1985 to 1990. They have two daughters, ], born on 28 April 1985 in ] (now Saint Petersburg), and ], born on 31 August 1986 in ], East Germany (now Germany).<ref>{{harv|Sakwa|2008|p=}}{{page needed|date=February 2022}}</ref>

An investigation by '']'' published in November 2020 alleged that Putin has another daughter, Elizaveta, also known as Luiza Rozova,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Sonne |first1 = Paul |last2 = Miller |first2 = Greg |date = 3 October 2021 |title = Secret money, swanky real estate and a Monte Carlo mystery |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/putin-monaco-luxury-apartment/ |url-status = live |newspaper = The Washington Post |location = Washington, D.C. |archive-url = https://archive.today/20211003164047/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/putin-monaco-luxury-apartment/ |archive-date = 3 October 2021 |access-date = 6 October 2021 }}</ref> (born in March 2003),<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Harding |first = Luke |date = 3 October 2021 |title = Pandora papers reveal hidden riches of Putin's inner circle |url = https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/oct/03/pandora-papers-reveal-hidden-wealth-vladimir-putin-inner-circle |url-status = live |work = The Guardian |location = London |archive-url = https://archive.today/20211003183439/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/oct/03/pandora-papers-reveal-hidden-wealth-vladimir-putin-inner-circle |archive-date = 3 October 2021 |access-date = 6 October 2021 }}</ref> with ].<ref name="Proekt201125">{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://maski-proekt.media/putin-secret-family/index.html |title = An investigation into how a close acquaintance of Vladimir Putin attained a piece of Russia |last1 = Zakharov |first1 = Andrey |last2 = Badanin |first2 = Roman |author-link2 = Roman Badanin |last3 = Rubin |first3 = Mikhail |date = 25 November 2020 |website = maski-proekt.media |publisher = ] |access-date = 5 October 2021 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://archive.today/20201125094203/https://maski-proekt.media/putin-secret-family/index.html |archive-date = 25 November 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date = 25 November 2020 |title = Investigation Claims to Uncover Putin's Extramarital Daughter |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/11/25/investigation-claims-to-uncover-putins-extramarital-daughter-a72146 |url-status = live |work = Moscow Times |archive-url = https://archive.today/20201126171725/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/11/25/investigation-claims-to-uncover-putins-extramarital-daughter-a72146 |archive-date = 26 November 2020 |access-date = 5 October 2021 }}</ref> In April 2008, the '']'' reported that Putin had divorced Lyudmila and was engaged to marry Olympic gold medalist ], a former rhythmic gymnast and Russian politician.<ref name="RFERL080418">{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.rferl.org/a/1109593.html |title = Putin Romance Rumors Keep Public Riveted |date = 18 April 2008 |publisher = Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |access-date = 3 October 2021 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://archive.today/20211003191018/https://www.rferl.org/a/1109593.html |archive-date = 3 October 2021 }}</ref> The story was denied,<ref name=RFERL080418 /> and the newspaper was shut down shortly thereafter.<ref name="NYT120505">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Herszenhorn |first = David M. |title = In the Spotlight of Power, Putin Keeps His Private Life Veiled in Shadows |date = 5 May 2012 |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/world/europe/preparing-return-to-presidency-putin-keeps-his-private-life-off-limits.html |url-status = live |work = The New York Times |location = New York City |archive-url = https://archive.today/20170913003618/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/world/europe/preparing-return-to-presidency-putin-keeps-his-private-life-off-limits.html |archive-date = 13 September 2017 |access-date = 3 October 2021 |url-access = registration }}</ref> Putin and Lyudmila continued to make public appearances together as spouses,<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Vladimir Putin and Google: The most popular search queries answered |date = 19 March 2018 |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43389407 |url-status = live |work = BBC News |archive-url = https://archive.today/20211003192940/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43389407 |archive-date = 3 October 2021 |access-date = 3 October 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = A new Russian first Lady? Putin hints he may marry again |date = 20 December 2018 |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-marriage/a-new-russian-first-lady-putin-hints-he-may-marry-again-idUSKCN1OJ29G |url-status = live |work = Reuters |archive-url = https://archive.today/20211003193024/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-marriage/a-new-russian-first-lady-putin-hints-he-may-marry-again-idUSKCN1OJ29G |archive-date = 3 October 2021 |access-date = 3 October 2021 }}</ref> while the status of his relationship with Kabaeva became a topic of speculation.<ref name="Times150314">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Hoyle |first = Ben |title = Motherland is gripped by baby talk that Putin is father again |date = 14 March 2015 |url = https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/motherland-is-gripped-by-baby-talk-that-putin-is-father-again-973lbhc6pmd |work = The Times |location = London |access-date = 3 October 2021 |url-access = limited }}</ref>

On 6 June 2013, Putin and Lyudmila announced that their marriage was over; on 1 April 2014, the Kremlin confirmed that the divorce had been finalised.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Russia President Vladimir Putin's divorce goes through |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26850204 |access-date = 2 April 2014 |work = BBC News |date = 2 April 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140402191158/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26850204 |archive-date = 2 April 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Allen |first = Cooper |date = 2 April 2014 |title = Putin divorce finalized, Kremlin says |url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/04/02/vladimir-putin-divorce/7210689/ |url-status = live |work = USA Today |archive-url = https://archive.today/20140425043214/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/04/02/vladimir-putin-divorce/7210689/ |archive-date = 25 April 2014 |access-date = 3 October 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = MacFarquahar |first = Neil |date = 13 March 2015 |title = Putin Has Vanished, but Rumors Are Popping Up Everywhere |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/14/world/europe/russia-putin-seen-in-public.html |url-status = live |newspaper = The New York Times |archive-url = https://archive.today/20150314054720/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/14/world/europe/russia-putin-seen-in-public.html?_r=0 |archive-date = 14 March 2015 |access-date = 3 October 2021 |url-access = registration }}</ref> Kabaeva reportedly gave birth to a daughter by Putin in 2015;<ref name="NEWSru150519" /><ref name="NW160202">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Sharkov |first = Damien |title = What Do We Know About Putin's Family? |date = 2 February 2016 |url = https://www.newsweek.com/what-do-we-know-about-putins-family-422075 |url-status = live |work = Newsweek |archive-url = https://archive.today/20201111215949/https://www.newsweek.com/what-do-we-know-about-putins-family-422075 |archive-date = 11 November 2020 |access-date = 3 October 2021 }}</ref> this report was denied.<ref name="NEWSru150519">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.newsru.com/russia/19may2015/alina.html |title = Алина Кабаева после долгого перерыва вышла в свет, вызвав слухи о новой беременности (ФОТО, ВИДЕО) |date = 19 May 2015 |website = ] |language = ru |trans-title = Alina Kabaeva after a long break was published, triggering rumors of a new pregnancy (Photo, Video) |access-date = 3 October 2021 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://archive.today/20150519232302/http://www.newsru.com/russia/19may2015/alina.html |archive-date = 19 May 2015 }}</ref> Kabaeva reportedly gave birth to twin sons by Putin in 2019.<ref name="Times190526">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Campbell |first = Matthew |date = 26 May 2019 |title = Kremlin silent on reports Vladimir Putin and Alina Kabaeva, his 'secret first lady', have had twins |work = The Times |url = https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kremlin-silent-on-reports-vladimir-putin-and-alina-kabaeva-his-secret-first-lady-have-had-twins-dqvrpkrgc |url-access = limited |access-date = 3 October 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Dettmer |first = Jamie |date = 28 May 2019 |title = Reports of Putin Fathering Twins Test Free Speech in Russia |url = https://www.voanews.com/europe/reports-putin-fathering-twins-test-free-speech-russia |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191113224242/https://www.voanews.com/europe/reports-putin-fathering-twins-test-free-speech-russia |archive-date = 13 November 2019 |access-date = 23 October 2020 |publisher = Voice of America }}</ref> However, in 2022, Swiss media, citing the couple's Swiss gynecologist, wrote that on both occasions Kabaeva gave birth to a boy.<ref name=SonntagsZeitung>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Besson |first1 = Sylvain |last2 = Odehnal |first2 = Bernhard |title = Russisches Staatsgeheimnis – Putins Sohn wurde im Tessin geboren |url = https://www.derbund.ch/putins-sohn-wurde-im-tessin-geboren-648161452864 |access-date = 1 May 2022 |newspaper = Der Bund |date = 30 April 2022 |language = de }}</ref>

Putin has two grandsons, born in 2012 and 2017,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = Путин сообщил о рождении второго внука |date = 15 June 2017 |url = https://www.ntv.ru/novosti/1820542/ |publisher = ] |trans-title = Putin announced the birth of a second grandson |language = ru |access-date = 3 October 2021 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://archive.today/20211003193959/https://www.ntv.ru/novosti/1820542/ |archive-date = 3 October 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||agency = ] |title = Russia's Putin opens up about grandchildren, appeals for family privacy during live TV show |date = 15 June 2017 |url = https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/2098540/russias-putin-opens-about-grandchildren-appeals |url-status = live |work = South China Morning Post |archive-url = https://archive.today/20201119200736/https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/2098540/russias-putin-opens-about-grandchildren-appeals |archive-date = 19 November 2020 |access-date = 3 October 2021 }}</ref> through Maria.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Soshnikov |first1 = Andrei |last2 = Reiter |first2 = Svetlana |date = 8 April 2022 |title = The Secretive Life Of The Dutch Man Who Was Believed To Be Vladimir Putin's Son-In-Law: An Investigation |url = https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-daughters-son-in-law-secretive-life-sanctions-faassen/31793489.html |url-status = live |publisher = Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |archive-url = https://archive.today/20220409044235/https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-daughters-son-in-law-secretive-life-sanctions-faassen/31793489.html |archive-date = 9 April 2022 |access-date = 9 April 2022 }}</ref> He reportedly also has a granddaughter, born in 2017, through Katerina.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date = 19 May 2022 |title = Investigation Links German Ex-Ballet Director Zelensky with Putin's Daughter |url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/05/19/investigation-links-german-ex-ballet-director-zelensky-with-putins-daughter-a77728 |url-status = live |work = Moscow Times |archive-url = https://archive.today/20220520053627/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/05/19/russia-ukraine-trade-barbs-over-europes-largest-nuclear-plant-a77725 |archive-date = 20 May 2022 |access-date = 20 May 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Oltermann |first = Philip |date = 19 May 2022 |title = Putin's daughter flew to Munich 'more than 50 times' in two years, leaks reveal |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/19/putins-daughter-flew-to-munich-more-than-50-times-investigation-suggests |url-status = live |work = The Guardian |location = London |archive-url = https://archive.today/20220520034617/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/19/putins-daughter-flew-to-munich-more-than-50-times-investigation-suggests |archive-date = 20 May 2022 |access-date = 20 May 2022 }}</ref> His cousin, ], was a director at Moscow-based ] and was accused in a number of money-laundering scandals.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-the-danske-bank-money-laundering-scheme-involving-230-billion-unraveled-60-minutes-2019-05-19/ |title = How the Danske Bank money-laundering scheme involving $230&nbsp;billion unraveled |last = Kroft |first = Steve |date = 19 May 2019 |publisher = CBS News |access-date = 3 October 2021 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://archive.today/20190519233019/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-the-danske-bank-money-laundering-scheme-involving-230-billion-unraveled-60-minutes-2019-05-19/ |archive-date = 19 May 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.reportingproject.net/therussianlaundromat/the-russian-banks-and-putins-cousin.php |title = OCCRP – The Russian Banks and Putin's Cousin |website = reportingproject.net |access-date = 10 June 2019 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://archive.today/20151104182948/https://www.reportingproject.net/therussianlaundromat/the-russian-banks-and-putins-cousin.php |archive-date = 4 November 2015 }}</ref>

=== Wealth ===
{{See also|Panama Papers|Pandora papers}}
Official figures released during the ] put Putin's wealth at approximately 3.7&nbsp;million ] (US$280,000) in bank accounts, a private {{convert|77.4|m2|adj=on|sqft|sp=us}} apartment in Saint Petersburg, and miscellaneous other assets.<ref>{{cite magazine |url = https://money.com/vladimir-putin-net-worth/ |title = Is Vladimir Putin Secretly the Richest Man in the World? |date = 23 January 2017 |first1 = Rob |last1 = Wile |magazine = Money |access-date = 5 May 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.quote.ru/fterm/emitent.shtml?49/1249 |title = Quote.Rbc.Ru :: Аюмй Яюмйр-Оерепаспц&nbsp;– Юйжхх, Ярпсйрспю, Мнбнярх, Тхмюмяш |publisher = Quote.ru |access-date = 2 March 2010 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071026102505/http://www.quote.ru/fterm/emitent.shtml?49%2F1249 |archive-date = 26 October 2007 }}</ref> Putin's reported 2006 income totaled 2&nbsp;million rubles (approximately $152,000). In 2012, Putin reported an income of 3.6&nbsp;million rubles ($270,000).<ref> ] N 4504 27 October 2007.</ref><ref> ]. 26 October 2007.</ref> Putin has been photographed wearing a number of expensive wristwatches, collectively valued at $700,000, nearly six times his annual salary.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/06/putins-extravagant-700000-watch-collection/ |title = Putin's Extravagant $700,000 Watch Collection |date = 8 June 2012 |publisher = ] |access-date = 1 February 2019 |first = Kirit |last = Radia }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/how-vladimir-putin-spends-his-mysterious-fortune-rumoured-to-be-worth-70-billion-a7805026.html |date = 23 June 2017 |access-date = 1 February 2019 |title = How Vladimir Putin spends his mysterious fortune rumoured to be worth $70&nbsp;billion |work = ] |first = Mary |last = Hanbury }}</ref> Putin has been known on occasion to give watches valued at thousands of dollars as gifts, for example a watch identified as a ] to a Siberian boy he met while on vacation in 2009, and another similar watch to a factory worker the same year.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/06/putins-extravagant-700000-watch-collection |title = Putin's Extravagant $700,000 Watch Collection |website = ABC News |date = 8 June 2012 }}</ref>

] is mentioned in the ], pictured 2018.]]
According to Russian opposition politicians and journalists,<ref> ''Sobesednik'' No. 10, 7 March 2007.</ref><ref name=Guardian_40bn>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/dec/21/russia.topstories3 |title = Putin, the Kremlin power struggle and the $40bn fortune |work = The Guardian |date = 21 December 2007 |last = Harding |first = Luke |access-date = 18 August 2008 |location = London }}</ref> Putin secretly possesses a multi-billion-dollar fortune via successive ownership of stakes in a number of Russian companies.<ref name=Is>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Is Vladimir Putin the richest man on earth? |url = http://www.news.com.au/money/money-matters/is-vladimir-putin-the-richest-man-on-earth/story-e6frfmd9-1226727457378 |newspaper = ] |date = 26 September 2013 |access-date = 26 September 2013 |archive-date = 8 December 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131208183550/http://www.news.com.au/money/money-matters/is-vladimir-putin-the-richest-man-on-earth/story-e6frfmd9-1226727457378 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/what-is-russian-president-vladimir-putins-net-worth |title = What is Russian President Vladimir Putin's net worth? |last = Joyce |first = Kathleen |date = 29 June 2019 |website = Fox Business |access-date = 30 June 2019 }}</ref> According to one editorial in '']'', "Putin might not technically own these 43 aircraft, but, as the sole political power in Russia, he can act like they're his."<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Is Vladimir Putin hiding a $200&nbsp;billion fortune? (And if so, does it matter?) |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/02/20/is-vladimir-putin-hiding-a-200-billion-fortune-and-if-so-does-it-matter/ |newspaper = The Washington Post |first = Adam |last = Tayor |access-date = 19 March 2017 }}</ref> An ] journalist argued that " intelligence agencies ... could not find anything". These contradictory claims were analyzed by ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.polygraph.info/a/putin-wealth-aslund-propaganda-fact-check/29940697.html |title = Are 'Putin's Billions' a Myth? |author = William Echols |date = 14 May 2019 |website = Polygraph.info |access-date = 16 May 2019 }}</ref> which looked at a number of reports by Western (] estimate of $100–160&nbsp;billion) and Russian (] estimated of $40&nbsp;billion) analysts, ] (estimate of $40&nbsp;billion in 2007) as well as counterarguments of Russian media. Polygraph concluded:

{{blockquote|text=There is uncertainty on the precise sum of Putin's wealth, and the assessment by the Director of U.S. National Intelligence apparently is not yet complete. However, with the pile of evidence and documents in the Panama Papers and in the hands of independent investigators such as those cited by Dawisha, Polygraph.info finds that Danilov's claim that Western intelligence agencies have not been able to find evidence of Putin's wealth to be misleading|sign=Polygraph.info|source="Are 'Putin's Billions' a Myth?"|title=}}
In April 2016, 11&nbsp;million documents belonging to Panamanian law firm ] were ] to the German newspaper '']'' and the ]-based ]. The name of Putin does not appear in any of the records, and Putin denied his involvement with the company.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1 = Luhn |first1 = Alec |last2 = Harding |first2 = Luke |author-link2 = Luke Harding |date = 7 April 2016 |title = Putin dismisses Panama Papers as an attempt to destabilise Russia |url = http://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/apr/07/putin-dismisses-panama-papers-as-an-attempt-to-destabilise-russia |access-date = 18 September 2022 |website = ] }}</ref> However, various media have reported on three of Putin's associates on the list.<ref name="hardingrevealed">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Revealed: the $2bn offshore trail that leads to Vladimir Putin |url = https://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/apr/03/panama-papers-money-hidden-offshore |newspaper = ] |location = London |date = 3 April 2016 |author = Luke Harding }}</ref> According to the ] leak, close trusted associates of Putin own offshore companies worth US$2&nbsp;billion in total.<ref>, Süddeutsche Zeitung</ref> The German newspaper '']'' regards the possibility of Putin's family profiting from this money as plausible.<ref>, Süddeutsche Zeitung</ref><ref>, ''The Guardian''</ref>

According to the paper, the US$2&nbsp;billion had been "secretly shuffled through banks and shadow companies linked to Putin's associates", such as construction billionaires ] and ], and ], previously identified by the U.S. State Department as being treated by Putin as his personal bank account, had been central in facilitating this. It concludes that "Putin has shown he is willing to take aggressive steps to maintain secrecy and protect communal assets".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://panamapapers.icij.org/20160403-putin-russia-offshore-network.html |title = All Putin's Men: Secret Records Reveal Money Network Tied to Russian Leader |website = panamapapers.icij.org |date = 3 April 2016 |access-date = 4 April 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35918845 |title = Panama Papers: Putin associates linked to 'money laundering' |work = BBC News |access-date = 4 April 2016 }}</ref>

A significant proportion of the money trail leads to Putin's best friend ]. Although a musician, and in his own words, not a businessman, it appears he has accumulated assets valued at $100m, and possibly more. It has been suggested he was picked for the role because of his low profile.<ref name="hardingrevealed" /> There have been speculations that Putin, in fact, owns the funds,<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.vox.com/2016/4/4/11360212/panama-papers-russia-putin |title = The Panama Papers show how corruption really works in Russia |last = Galeotti |first = Mark |date = 4 April 2016 |publisher = Vox Business and Finance |access-date = 8 April 2016 }}</ref> and Roldugin just acted as a proxy.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Harding |first = Luke |date = 3 April 2016 |title = Sergei Roldugin, the cellist who holds the key to tracing Putin's hidden fortune |language = en-GB |work = The Guardian |url = https://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/apr/03/sergei-roldugin-the-cellist-who-holds-the-key-to-tracing-putins-hidden-fortune |access-date = 16 October 2020 |issn = 0261-3077 }}</ref> ] said that " controls enough money, probably more than any other individual in the history of human race".<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last = Kasparov |first = Garry |title = Starr Forum: The Trump-Putin Phenomenon |url = https://cis.mit.edu/events/transcripts/starr-forum-trump-putin-phenomenon |website = MIT Center for International Studies |access-date = 8 March 2021 }}</ref>

=== Residences ===
==== Official government residences ====
] at his residence in ], 2009.]]
As president and prime minister, Putin has lived in numerous official residences throughout the country.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://themoscowtimes.com/articles/leaders-not-swapping-residences-13069 |title = Russian Leaders Not Swapping Residences |date = 5 March 2012 |first1 = Olga |last1 = Solovyova |publisher = The Moscow Times, Russia |access-date = 22 March 2017 }}</ref> These residences include: the ], ] in ], Gorki-9 near Moscow, ] in ], ] in ], and Riviera in Sochi.<ref name="residences">{{#invoke:cite web||url = http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1576415/print?stamp=634719994045719457 |title = Тайна за семью заборами |date = 31 January 2011 |publisher = Kommersant.ru |access-date = 22 June 2013 }}</ref> In August 2012, critics of Putin listed the ownership of 20 villas and palaces, nine of which were built during Putin's 12 years in power.<ref name="Slave">{{#invoke:cite news||last = Elder |first = Miriam |title = Vladimir Putin 'Galley Slave' Lifestyle: Palaces, Planes and a $75,000 Toilet |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/28/vladimir-putin-palaces-planes-toilet |work = The Guardian |location = London |date = 28 August 2012 |access-date = 28 August 2012 }}</ref>

==== Personal residences ====
Soon after Putin returned from his KGB service in Dresden, East Germany, he built a ] in Solovyovka on the eastern shore of Lake Komsomolskoye on the ] in ] of ], near St. Petersburg. After the dacha burned down in 1996, Putin built a new one identical to the original and was joined by a group of seven friends who built dachas nearby. In 1996, the group formally registered their fraternity as a ] society, calling it ] ("Lake") and turning it into a ].<ref> By Fiona Hill & Clifford G. Gaddy, ''The Atlantic'', 14 February 2013.</ref>

A massive Italianate-style mansion costing an alleged US$1&nbsp;billion<ref name="'Putin palace' sold">{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/8359527/Putin-palace-sells-for-350-million.html |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/8359527/Putin-palace-sells-for-350-million.html |archive-date = 10 January 2022 |url-access = subscription |url-status = live |title = 'Putin Palace' Sells for US$350 Million |work = The Daily Telegraph |date = 3 March 2011 |access-date = 5 May 2012 |location = London |first = Our |last = Foreign }}{{cbignore}}</ref> and dubbed "]" is under construction near the Black Sea village of Praskoveevka. In 2012, ], a former business associate of Putin's, told the BBC's '']'' programme that he had been ordered by Deputy Prime Minister ] to oversee the building of the palace.<ref name="Putin's palace">{{#invoke:cite news||date = 4 May 2012 |title = Putin's Palace? A Mystery Black Sea Mansion Fit for a Tsar |publisher = BBC |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17730959 |access-date = 4 May 2012 }}</ref> He also said that the mansion, built on government land and sporting three helipads, plus a private road paid for from state funds and guarded by officials wearing uniforms of the official Kremlin guard service, have been built for Putin's private use.<ref name="IBP-2014">{{Cite book |title = Russia: Russia president Vladimir Putin rule: achievements, problems and future strategies |date = 2014 |publisher = International Business Publications |isbn = 978-1-4330-6774-7 |location = Washington, DC |page = 85 |oclc = 956347599 }}</ref>

On 19 January 2021, two days after ] was detained by Russian authorities upon his return to Russia, a video investigation by him and the ] (FBK) was published accusing Putin of using fraudulently obtained funds to build the estate for himself in what he called "the world's biggest bribe". In the investigation, Navalny said that the estate is 39 times the size of Monaco and cost over 100 billion rubles ($1.35 billion) to construct. It also showed aerial footage of the estate via a drone and a detailed floorplan of the palace that Navalny said was given by a contractor, which he compared to photographs from inside the palace that were leaked onto the Internet in 2011. He also detailed an elaborate corruption scheme allegedly involving Putin's inner circle that allowed Putin to hide billions of dollars to build the estate.<ref name="tmt-putin's-palace">{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/01/19/navalny-targets-billion-dollar-putin-palace-in-investigation-released-after-jailing-a72661 |title = Navalny Targets 'Billion-Dollar Putin Palace' in New Investigation |website = Moscow Times |date = 19 January 2021 |access-date = 19 January 2021 |archive-date = 19 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210119160300/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/01/19/navalny-targets-billion-dollar-putin-palace-in-investigation-released-after-jailing-a72661 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://meduza.io/feature/2021/01/19/fbk-opublikoval-ogromnoe-rassledovanie-o-dvortse-putina-v-gelendzhike-vot-glavnoe-iz-dvuhchasovogo-filma-o-stroitelstve-tsenoy-v-100-milliardov |title = ФБК опубликовал огромное расследование о 'дворце Путина' в Геленджике. Вот главное из двухчасового фильма о строительстве ценой в 100 миллиардов |website = Meduza.io |date = 19 January 2021 |access-date = 19 January 2021 |archive-date = 19 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210119162405/https://meduza.io/feature/2021/01/19/fbk-opublikoval-ogromnoe-rassledovanie-o-dvortse-putina-v-gelendzhike-vot-glavnoe-iz-dvuhchasovogo-filma-o-stroitelstve-tsenoy-v-100-milliardov |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://tvrain.ru/news/fbk_opublikoval_rassledovanie_o_dvortse_putina_razmerom_s_39_knjazhestv_monako-522873/ |title = ФБК опубликовал расследование о 'дворце Путина' размером с 39 княжеств Монако |website = tvrain.ru |date = 19 January 2021 |access-date = 19 January 2021 |archive-date = 19 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210119222256/https://tvrain.ru/news/fbk_opublikoval_rassledovanie_o_dvortse_putina_razmerom_s_39_knjazhestv_monako-522873/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Since the ], Putin prefers to travel in an armored train to flying.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 13 February 2023 |title = That extra-heavy load Instead of flying, Vladimir Putin prefers to travel around Russia by armored train (allegedly for fear of Ukrainian attack) |url = https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/02/13/that-extra-heavy-load |access-date = 17 February 2023 |website = ] |language = en }}</ref>
<!-- === Speculations about mental health ===
The US intelligence psychologist ] from the Center for the Analysis of Personality and Political Behavior of the CIA assessed Putin to be a "]", a "brutally ruthless dictator" with "extremely calculating nature", the "meticulous pseudo-legal justifications for his actions". Putin was deemed to be obsessed with "masculinity, size, strength and power" and preoccupied "with size and strength is overcompensation for his underlying insecurity".<ref>{{cite book |last = Jerrold M. |first = Post |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=OqIaBQAAQBAJ&dq=%22Jerrold+Post%22+%22putin%22+narcissism&pg=PA219 |title = Narcissism and Politics: Dreams of Glory; Putin the Great |page = 219-220 |publisher = Cambridge University Press |year = 2015 |isbn = 9781107008724 }}
</ref> concealing this section per talk, see https://en.wikipedia.org/search/?title=Talk:Vladimir_Putin&oldid=1078878872#Vladimir_Putin#Speculations_about_mental_health. ~~~~.-->

=== Pets ===
{{Main|Pets of Vladimir Putin}}
], president of Turkmenistan, during a meeting in Sochi in October 2017.]]
Putin has received five dogs from various nation leaders: ], Buffy, Yume, Verni and Pasha. Konni died in 2014. When Putin first became president, the family had two poodles, Tosya and Rodeo. They reportedly stayed with his ex-wife ] after their divorce.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||url = https://aif.ru/dontknows/file/skolko_sobak_u_putina |title = Сколько собак у Путина? |date = 23 October 2017 |website = aif.ru |language = ru |trans-title = How many dogs does Putin have? |access-date = 9 October 2021 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://archive.today/20211009200045/https://aif.ru/dontknows/file/skolko_sobak_u_putina |archive-date = 9 October 2021 }}</ref>

=== Religion ===
], 16 November 2001]]

Putin is ]. His mother was a devoted Christian believer who attended the Russian Orthodox Church, while his father was an ].<ref name="Colton">{{cite book|author1-link=Timothy Colton|title=Popular Choice and Managed Democracy: the Russian elections of 1999 and 2000|url=https://archive.org/details/popularchoiceman00colt|url-access=registration|author1=Timothy J. Colton |author2=Michael MacFaul |year=2003|publisher=The Brookings Institution|location=Washington, DC|isbn=978-0-8157-1535-1|page={{page needed|date=February 2022}}}}</ref> Although his mother kept no ]s at home, she attended church regularly, despite government persecution of her religion at that time. His mother secretly baptized him as a baby, and she regularly took him to services.<ref name=sakwa_p3 />

According to Putin, his religious awakening began after a serious car crash involving his wife in 1993, and a life-threatening fire that burned down their ] in August 1996.<ref name=Colton /> Shortly before an official visit to Israel, Putin's mother gave him his baptismal cross, telling him to get it blessed. Putin states, "I did as she said and then put the cross around my neck. I have never taken it off since."<ref name=sakwa_p3 />

When asked in 2007 whether he believes in God, he responded: "There are things I believe, which should not in my position, at least, be shared with the public at large for everybody's consumption because that would look like ] or a political ]."<ref> '']''. Retrieved 22 March 2008.</ref> Putin's rumoured ] is Russian Orthodox bishop ].<ref name="FT">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin and the monk |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/f2fcba3e-65be-11e2-a3db-00144feab49a.html |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/f2fcba3e-65be-11e2-a3db-00144feab49a.html |archive-date = 10 December 2022 |url-access = subscription |work = ] |date = 25 January 2013 }}</ref> The sincerity of his Christianity has been rejected by his former advisor ].<ref name="veconomist">{{#invoke:cite news||title = The enduring grip of the men{{snd}}and mindset{{snd}}of the KGB |url = https://www.economist.com/books-and-arts/2020/04/25/the-enduring-grip-of-the-men-and-mindset-of-the-kgb |newspaper = ] |date = 25 April 2020 }}</ref>

=== Sports ===
Putin watches ] and supports ].<ref name="Putin to talk pipeline, attend football game">{{#invoke:cite web||title = Putin to talk pipeline, attend football game |url = http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=03&dd=22&nav_id=73361 |website = B92 |date = 22 March 2011 |access-date = 22 March 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110326175209/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=03&dd=22&nav_id=73361 |archive-date = 26 March 2011 }}</ref> He also displays an interest in ] and ],<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.thelocal.se/20160229/bandy-how-swedens-little-known-sport-is-winning-converts |title = Bandy, how little known sport is winning converts |work = The Local |date = 29 February 2016 |access-date = 9 October 2017 }}</ref> and played in a star-studded hockey game on his 63rd birthday.<ref>{{cite magazine |url = https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/vladimir-putin-scores-seven-goals-in-epic-hockey-game-57500/ |title = Vladimir Putin Scores Seven Goals in Epic Hockey Game |magazine = Rolling Stone |date = 9 October 2015 |access-date = 7 February 2022 }}</ref>

]
Putin has been practicing judo since he was 11,<ref name="kremlinbiosports">{{#invoke:cite web||title = Kremlin Biography of President Vladimir Putin |url = http://eng.putin.kremlin.ru/interests |access-date = 23 May 2017 |website = putin.kremlin.ru }}</ref> before switching to ] at the age of fourteen.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date = 15 November 2001 |title = NPR News: Vladimir Putin: Transcript of Robert Siegel Interview |url = https://legacy.npr.org/news/specials/putin/nprinterview.html |access-date = 19 October 2020 |website = legacy.npr.org }}</ref> He won competitions in both sports in ] (now Saint Petersburg). He was awarded eighth ] of the ] in 2012, becoming the first Russian to achieve the status.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date = 10 October 2012 |title = Putin awarded eighth dan by international body |work = Reuters |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-judo-russia-putin-idUSBRE8991F120121010 |access-date = 19 October 2020 }}</ref> He was rewarded an eighth-degree karate black belt in 2014.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=21 November 2014|title=Putin becomes eighth-degree karate black belt|url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/11/21/world/europe/putin-karate-black-belt/index.html|work=]}}</ref>

He co-authored a book entitled ''Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin'' in Russian (2000),{{Efn|{{langx|ru|link=no|Учимся дзюдо с Владимиром Путиным}}}} and ''Judo: History, Theory, Practice'' in English (2004).<ref name="putin-judo">{{cite book |last = Putin |first = Vladimir |author2 = Vasily Shestakov |author3 = Alexey Levitsky |date = 2004 |title = Judo: History, Theory, Practice |publisher = ] |isbn = 978-1-55643-445-7 }}{{page needed|date=February 2022}}</ref> ], a black belt in taekwondo and aikido and editor of '']'', has disputed Putin's martial arts skills, stating that there is no video evidence of Putin displaying any real noteworthy judo skills.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last = Hawkins |first = Derek |date = 18 July 2017 |title = Is Vladimir Putin a judo fraud? |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/07/18/is-vladimir-putin-a-judo-fraud/ |access-date = 18 July 2017 |newspaper = ] }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.lawfaremedia.org/ill-fight-putin-any-time-any-place-he-cant-have-me-arrested |title = I'll Fight Putin Any Time, Any Place He Can't Have Me Arrested |date = 21 October 2015 |work = ] |access-date = 18 July 2017 }}</ref>

In March 2022, Putin was removed from all positions in the ] (IJF) due to the Russian war in Ukraine.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title = International Judo Federation strips titles from Vladimir Putin and Russian oligarch |url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/international-judo-federation-strips-titles-vladimir-putin-russia-ukraine-invasion/ |date = 7 March 2022 |publisher = CBS News |language = en-US |access-date=16 March 2023}}</ref>

=== Health ===
{{See also|Claims of Vladimir Putin's incapacity and death}}
In July 2022, the director of the U.S. ], ], stated they had no evidence to suggest Putin was unstable or in bad health. The statement was made because of increasing unconfirmed media speculation about Putin's health. Burns had previously been ], and had personally observed Putin for over two decades, including a personal meeting in November 2021. A Kremlin spokesperson also dismissed rumours of Putin's bad health.<ref name=bbc-20220721>{{#invoke:cite news||url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62246914 |title = Ukraine war: CIA chief says no intelligence that Putin is in bad health |last1 = Corera |first1 = Gordon |last2 = Wright |first2 = George |work = BBC News |date = 21 July 2022 |access-date = 22 July 2022 }}</ref>

The Russian political magazine ''Sobesednik'' ({{langx|ru|Собеседник|italic=yes}}) alleged in 2018 that Putin had a ] installed in ] in the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin has a special 'sensory room' at his presidential residence to relax and stave off depression |url = https://meduza.io/en/shapito/2018/09/06/putin-has-a-special-sensory-room-at-his-presidential-residence-to-relax-and-stave-off-depression |access-date = 1 May 2022 |work = ] |date = 6 September 2018 }}</ref> The ], as well as Western generals, politicians, and ], have questioned Putin's ] after two years of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = White House, senators and generals question Putin's mental health after two years of pandemic isolation |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/russia-ukraine-putin-mental-health-b2024503.html |work = The Independent |date = 28 February 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin's obsession with Ukraine has made analysts question his rationality |url = https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/02/putins-obsession-with-ukraine-has-made-analysts-question-his-rationality.html |publisher = CNBC |date = 28 February 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||title = Putin's War Looks Increasingly Insane |url = https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2022/03/putins-war-looks-increasingly-insane.html |work = ] |date = 4 March 2022 }}</ref>

In April 2022, tabloid newspaper '']'' reported that based on video footage Putin may have ].<ref name="DW">{{#invoke:cite news||title = Kremlin slams reports of Putin resignation as 'complete nonsense' |url = https://www.dw.com/en/kremlin-slams-reports-of-putin-resignation-as-complete-nonsense/a-55520403 |access-date = 1 May 2022 |publisher = ] |date = 6 November 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Sabin |first1 = Lamiat |title = Video of Vladimir Putin gripping table in meeting sparks concerns about his health |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/vladimir-putin-health-holding-table-russia-b2063102.html |access-date = 1 May 2022 |work = ] |date = 22 April 2022 }}</ref><ref name="Roth">{{#invoke:cite news||last1 = Roth |first1 = Clare |title = Putin and Parkinson's: What do experts say? |url = https://www.dw.com/en/putin-and-parkinsons-what-do-experts-say/a-61597476 |access-date = 1 May 2022 |publisher = ] |date = 28 March 2022 }}</ref> This speculation, which has not been supported by medical professionals, has spread in part due to ], which many saw as an irrational act.<ref name="Roth" /> The ]<ref name="DW" /> rejected the possibility of Parkinson's along with outside medical professionals, who stress that it is impossible to diagnose the condition based on video clips alone.<ref name="Roth" />

== Awards and honours ==
{{Main|List of awards and honours received by Vladimir Putin}}
At least fifteen countries have awarded Vladimir Putin civilian honors since 2001. Putin has been awarded ]s and other awards from organizations across the world, but some of these were revoked in 2022 in response to the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Vladimir Putin is being stripped of his honorary sporting titles amid Ukraine invasion|url=https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/03/01/sport/vladimir-putin-ukraine-sporting-titles-spt-intl|work=]|date=1 March 2022}}</ref>

== Explanatory notes ==
{{Notelist|30em}}

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=20em}}

=== Sources ===
{{See also|Bibliography of the post-Stalinist Soviet Union}}
* {{cite book |author-link = Richard Lourie |author-last = Lourie |author-first = Richard |title = Putin: His Downfall and Russia's Coming Crash |date = 2017 |publisher = St. Martin's Press |isbn = 978-0-312-53808-8 }}
* {{cite book |last = Sakwa |first = Richard |title = Putin: Russia's choice |date = 2008 |publisher = Routledge |isbn = 978-0-203-93193-6 |location = London; New York |oclc = 183404357 }}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|d=Q7747|c=Category:Vladimir Putin|q=yes|n=yes|s=yes|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|species=no}}
{{external media| float = right| video1 = 8 March 2012, ]}}
*
* {{C-SPAN|80574}}

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Latest revision as of 16:14, 21 December 2024

President of Russia (1999–2008, 2012–present) "Putin" redirects here. For other uses, see Putin (disambiguation).

This article may be too long to read and navigate comfortably. When this tag was added, its readable prose size was 19,000 words. Consider splitting content into sub-articles, condensing it, or adding subheadings. Please discuss this issue on the article's talk page. (November 2024)
Vladimir Putin
Владимир Путин
Putin in 2024
President of Russia
Incumbent
Assumed office
7 May 2012
Prime Minister
Preceded byDmitry Medvedev
In office
7 May 2000 – 7 May 2008
Acting: 31 December 1999 – 7 May 2000
Prime Minister
Preceded byBoris Yeltsin
Succeeded byDmitry Medvedev
Prime Minister of Russia
In office
8 May 2008 – 7 May 2012
PresidentDmitry Medvedev
First Deputy
Preceded byViktor Zubkov
Succeeded byViktor Zubkov (acting)
In office
9 August 1999 – 7 May 2000
PresidentBoris Yeltsin
First Deputy
Preceded bySergei Stepashin
Succeeded byMikhail Kasyanov
Secretary of the Security Council of Russia
In office
9 March 1999 – 9 August 1999
ChairmanBoris Yeltsin
Preceded byNikolay Bordyuzha
Succeeded bySergei Ivanov
Director of the Federal Security Service
In office
25 July 1998 – 29 March 1999
PresidentBoris Yeltsin
Preceded byNikolay Kovalyov
Succeeded byNikolai Patrushev
First Deputy Chief of the Presidential Administration
In office
25 May 1998 – 24 July 1998
PresidentBoris Yeltsin
Deputy Chief of the Presidential Administration – Head of the Main Supervisory Department
In office
26 March 1997 – 24 May 1998
PresidentBoris Yeltsin
Preceded byAlexei Kudrin
Succeeded byNikolai Patrushev
Personal details
BornVladimir Vladimirovich Putin
(1952-10-07) 7 October 1952 (age 72)
Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Political partyIndependent
(1991–1995, 2001–2008, 2012–present)
Other political
affiliations
Height170 cm (5 ft 7 in)
Spouse Lyudmila Shkrebneva ​ ​(m. 1983; div. 2014)​
ChildrenAt least 2, Maria and Katerina
RelativesPutin family
Residence(s)Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow
Alma mater
AwardsFull list
Signature
Websiteeng.putin.kremlin.ru
Military service
AllegianceSoviet Union
Russia
Branch/service
Years of service
  • 1975–1991
  • 1997–1999
  • 2000–present
Rank
CommandsSupreme Commander-in-Chief
Battles/wars
Vladimir Putin's voice Putin declaring a "special military operation" in Ukraine
Recorded 24 February 2022
This article is part of
a series aboutVladimir Putin
  • Political offices
  • Policies
  • Elections

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, having previously served from 2000 to 2008. Putin also served as Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012. At 24 years, 11 months and 24 days, he is the longest-serving Russian or Soviet leader since the 30-year tenure of Joseph Stalin.

Putin worked as a KGB foreign intelligence officer for 16 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He resigned in 1991 to begin a political career in Saint Petersburg. In 1996, he moved to Moscow to join the administration of President Boris Yeltsin. He briefly served as the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and then as secretary of the Security Council of Russia before being appointed prime minister in August 1999. Following Yeltsin's resignation, Putin became acting president and, in less than four months, was elected to his first term as president. He was reelected in 2004. Due to constitutional limitations of two consecutive presidential terms, Putin served as prime minister again from 2008 to 2012 under Dmitry Medvedev. He returned to the presidency in 2012, following an election marked by allegations of fraud and protests, and was reelected in 2018.

During Putin's initial presidential tenure, the Russian economy grew on average by seven percent per year, driven by economic reforms and a fivefold increase in the price of oil and gas. Additionally, Putin led Russia in a conflict against Chechen separatists, reestablishing federal control over the region. While serving as prime minister under Medvedev, he oversaw a military conflict with Georgia and enacted military and police reforms. In his third presidential term, Russia annexed Crimea and supported a war in eastern Ukraine through several military incursions, resulting in international sanctions and a financial crisis in Russia. He also ordered a military intervention in Syria to support his ally Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian civil war, with the aim of obtaining naval bases in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In February 2022, during his fourth presidential term, Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which prompted international condemnation and led to expanded sanctions. In September 2022, he announced a partial mobilization and forcibly annexed four Ukrainian oblasts into Russia. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes related to his alleged criminal responsibility for illegal child abductions during the war. In April 2021, after a referendum, he signed into law constitutional amendments that included one allowing him to run for reelection twice more, potentially extending his presidency to 2036. In March 2024, he was reelected to another term.

Under Putin's rule, the Russian political system has been transformed into an authoritarian dictatorship with a personality cult. His rule has been marked by endemic corruption and widespread human rights violations, including the imprisonment and suppression of political opponents, intimidation and censorship of independent media in Russia, and a lack of free and fair elections. Russia has consistently received very low scores on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, The Economist Democracy Index, Freedom House's Freedom in the World index, and the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index.

Early life

Putin was born on 7 October 1952 in Leningrad, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia), the youngest of three children of Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin (1911–1999) and Maria Ivanovna Putina (née Shelomova; 1911–1998). His grandfather, Spiridon Putin (1879–1965), was a personal cook to Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. Putin's birth was preceded by the deaths of two brothers: Albert, born in the 1930s, died in infancy, and Viktor, born in 1940, died of diphtheria and starvation in 1942 during the Siege of Leningrad by Nazi Germany's forces in World War II.

Putin's father, Vladimir Spiridonovich PutinPutin's mother, Maria Ivanovna Shelomova

Putin's mother was a factory worker, and his father was a conscript in the Soviet Navy, serving in the submarine fleet in the early 1930s. During the early stage of the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, his father served in the destruction battalion of the NKVD. Later, he was transferred to the regular army and was severely wounded in 1942. Putin's maternal grandmother was killed by the German occupiers of Tver region in 1941, and his maternal uncles disappeared on the Eastern Front during World War II.

Education

On 1 September 1960, Putin started at School No. 193 at Baskov Lane, near his home. He was one of a few in his class of about 45 pupils who were not yet members of the Young Pioneer (Komsomol) organization. At the age of 12, he began to practice sambo and judo. In his free time, he enjoyed reading the works of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Lenin. Putin attended Saint Petersburg High School 281 with a German language immersion program. He is fluent in German and often gives speeches and interviews in that language.

Putin, c. 1960s

Putin studied law at the Leningrad State University named after Andrei Zhdanov (now Saint Petersburg State University) in 1970 and graduated in 1975. His thesis was on "The Most Favored Nation Trading Principle in International Law". While there, he was required to join the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU); he remained a member until it ceased to exist in 1991. Putin met Anatoly Sobchak, an assistant professor who taught business law, and who later became the co-author of the Russian constitution. Putin was influential in Sobchak's career in Saint Petersburg, and Sobchak was influential in Putin's career in Moscow.

In 1997, Putin received a degree in economics (kandidat ekonomicheskikh nauk) at the Saint Petersburg Mining University for a thesis on energy dependencies and their instrumentalisation in foreign policy. His supervisor was Vladimir Litvinenko, who in 2000 and again in 2004 managed his presidential election campaigns in St Petersburg. Igor Danchenko and Clifford Gaddy consider Putin to be a plagiarist according to Western standards. One book from which he copied entire paragraphs is the Russian-language edition of King and Cleland's Strategic Planning and Policy (1978). Balzer wrote on the Putin thesis and Russian energy policy and concludes along with Olcott that "The primacy of the Russian state in the country’s energy sector is non-negotiable", and cites the insistence on majority Russian ownership of any joint-venture, particularly since BASF signed the Gazprom Nord Stream-Yuzhno-Russkoye deal in 2004 with a 49–51 structure, as opposed to the older 50–50 split of British Petroleum's TNK-BP project.

Intelligence career

Putin in the KGB, c. 1980

In 1975, Putin joined the KGB and trained at the 401st KGB School in Okhta, Leningrad. After training, he worked in the Second Chief Directorate (counterintelligence), before he was transferred to the First Chief Directorate, where he monitored foreigners and consular officials in Leningrad. In September 1984, Putin was sent to Moscow for further training at the Yuri Andropov Red Banner Institute.

From 1985 to 1990, he served in Dresden, East Germany, using a cover identity as a translator. While posted in Dresden, Putin worked as one of the KGB's liaison officers to the Stasi secret police and was reportedly promoted to lieutenant colonel. According to the official Kremlin presidential site, the East German communist regime commended Putin with a bronze medal for "faithful service to the National People's Army". Putin has publicly conveyed delight over his activities in Dresden, once recounting his confrontations with anti-communist protestors of 1989 who attempted the occupation of Stasi buildings in the city.

"Putin and his colleagues were reduced mainly to collecting press clippings, thus contributing to the mountains of useless information produced by the KGB", Russian-American Masha Gessen wrote in their 2012 biography of Putin. His work was also downplayed by former Stasi spy chief Markus Wolf and Putin's former KGB colleague Vladimir Usoltsev. Journalist Catherine Belton wrote in 2020 that this downplaying was actually cover for Putin's involvement in KGB coordination and support for the terrorist Red Army Faction, whose members frequently hid in East Germany with the support of the Stasi. Dresden was preferred as a "marginal" town with only a small presence of Western intelligence services. According to an anonymous source who claimed to be a former RAF member, at one of these meetings in Dresden the militants presented Putin with a list of weapons that were later delivered to the RAF in West Germany. Klaus Zuchold, who claimed to be recruited by Putin, said that Putin handled a neo-Nazi, Rainer Sonntag, and attempted to recruit an author of a study on poisons. Putin reportedly met Germans to be recruited for wireless communications affairs together with an interpreter. He was involved in wireless communications technologies in South-East Asia due to trips of German engineers, recruited by him, there and to the West. However, a 2023 investigation by Der Spiegel reported that the anonymous source had never been an RAF member and is "considered a notorious fabulist" with "several previous convictions, including for making false statements".

The Stasi identity card of Vladimir Putin, who worked in Dresden as a KGB liaison officer to the Stasi

According to Putin's official biography, during the fall of the Berlin Wall that began on 9 November 1989, he saved the files of the Soviet Cultural Center (House of Friendship) and of the KGB villa in Dresden for the official authorities of the would-be united Germany to prevent demonstrators, including KGB and Stasi agents, from obtaining and destroying them. He then supposedly burnt only the KGB files, in a few hours, but saved the archives of the Soviet Cultural Center for the German authorities. Nothing is told about the selection criteria during this burning; for example, concerning Stasi files or about files of other agencies of the German Democratic Republic or of the USSR. He explained that many documents were left to Germany only because the furnace burst but many documents of the KGB villa were sent to Moscow.

After the collapse of the Communist East German government, Putin was to resign from active KGB service because of suspicions aroused regarding his loyalty during demonstrations in Dresden and earlier, although the KGB and the Soviet Army still operated in eastern Germany. He returned to Leningrad in early 1990 as a member of the "active reserves", where he worked for about three months with the International Affairs section of Leningrad State University, reporting to Vice-Rector Yuriy Molchanov, while working on his doctoral dissertation.

There, he looked for new KGB recruits, watched the student body, and renewed his friendship with his former professor, Anatoly Sobchak, soon to be the Mayor of Leningrad. Putin claims that he resigned with the rank of lieutenant colonel on 20 August 1991, on the second day of the 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt against Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev. Putin said: "As soon as the coup began, I immediately decided which side I was on", although he noted that the choice was hard because he had spent the best part of his life with "the organs".

Political career

Main articles: Political career of Vladimir Putin and Russia under Vladimir Putin Further information: Putinism and List of speeches given by Vladimir Putin See also: Politics of Russia

1990–1996: Saint Petersburg administration

In May 1990, Putin was appointed as an advisor on international affairs to the mayor of Leningrad Anatoly Sobchak. In a 2017 interview with Oliver Stone, Putin said that he resigned from the KGB in 1991, following the coup against Mikhail Gorbachev, as he did not agree with what had happened and did not want to be part of the intelligence in the new administration. According to Putin's statements in 2018 and 2021, he may have worked as a private taxi driver to earn extra money, or considered such a job.

Putin, Lyudmila Narusova and Ksenia Sobchak at the funeral of Putin's former mentor Anatoly Sobchak, Mayor of Saint Petersburg (1991–1996)

On 28 June 1991, Putin became head of the Committee for External Relations of the Mayor's Office, with responsibility for promoting international relations and foreign investments and registering business ventures. Within a year, Putin was investigated by the city legislative council led by Marina Salye. It was concluded that he had understated prices and permitted the export of metals valued at $93 million in exchange for foreign food aid that never arrived. Despite the investigators' recommendation that Putin be fired, Putin remained head of the Committee for External Relations until 1996. From 1994 to 1996, he held several other political and governmental positions in Saint Petersburg.

In March 1994, Putin was appointed as first deputy chairman of the Government of Saint Petersburg. In May 1995, he organized the Saint Petersburg branch of the pro-government Our Home – Russia political party, the liberal party of power founded by Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin. In 1995, he managed the legislative election campaign for that party, and from 1995 through June 1997, he was the leader of its Saint Petersburg branch.

1996–1999: Early Moscow career

In June 1996, Sobchak lost his bid for re-election in Saint Petersburg, and Putin, who had led his election campaign, resigned from his positions in the city administration. He moved to Moscow and was appointed as deputy chief of the Presidential Property Management Department headed by Pavel Borodin. He occupied this position until March 1997. He was responsible for the foreign property of the state and organized the transfer of the former assets of the Soviet Union and the CPSU to the Russian Federation.

Putin as FSB director, 1998

On 26 March 1997, President Boris Yeltsin appointed Putin deputy chief of the Presidential Staff, a post which he retained until May 1998, and chief of the Main Control Directorate of the Presidential Property Management Department (until June 1998). His predecessor in this position was Alexei Kudrin and his successor was Nikolai Patrushev, both future prominent politicians and Putin's associates. On 3 April 1997, Putin was promoted to 1st class Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation—the highest federal state civilian service rank.

On 27 June 1997, at the Saint Petersburg Mining Institute, guided by rector Vladimir Litvinenko, Putin defended his Candidate of Science dissertation in economics, titled Strategic Planning of the Reproduction of the Mineral Resource Base of a Region under Conditions of the Formation of Market Relations. This exemplified the custom in Russia whereby a young rising official would write a scholarly work in mid-career. Putin's thesis was plagiarized. Fellows at the Brookings Institution found that 15 pages were copied from an American textbook.

On 25 May 1998, Putin was appointed First Deputy Chief of the Presidential Staff for the regions, in succession to Viktoriya Mitina. On 15 July, he was appointed head of the commission for the preparation of agreements on the delimitation of the power of the regions and head of the federal center attached to the president, replacing Sergey Shakhray. After Putin's appointment, the commission completed no such agreements, although during Shakhray's term as the head of the Commission 46 such agreements had been signed. Later, after becoming president, Putin cancelled all 46 agreements. On 25 July 1998, Yeltsin appointed Putin director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the primary intelligence and security organization of the Russian Federation and the successor to the KGB. In 1999, Putin described communism as "a blind alley, far away from the mainstream of civilization".

1999: First premiership

Further information: Vladimir Putin's First Cabinet
Putin with President Boris Yeltsin on 31 December 1999, when Yeltsin announced his resignation

On 9 August 1999, Putin was appointed one of three first deputy prime ministers, and later on that day, was appointed acting prime minister of the Government of the Russian Federation by President Yeltsin. Yeltsin also announced that he wanted to see Putin as his successor. Later on that same day, Putin agreed to run for the presidency.

On 16 August, the State Duma approved his appointment as prime minister with 233 votes in favor (vs. 84 against, 17 abstained), while a simple majority of 226 was required, making him Russia's fifth prime minister in fewer than eighteen months. On his appointment, few expected Putin, virtually unknown to the general public, to last any longer than his predecessors. He was initially regarded as a Yeltsin loyalist; like other prime ministers of Boris Yeltsin, Putin did not choose ministers himself, his cabinet was determined by the presidential administration.

Yeltsin's main opponents and would-be successors were already campaigning to replace the ailing president, and they fought hard to prevent Putin's emergence as a potential successor. Following the September 1999 Russian apartment bombings and the invasion of Dagestan by mujahideen, including the former KGB agents, based in the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, Putin's law-and-order image and unrelenting approach to the Second Chechen War soon combined to raise his popularity and allowed him to overtake his rivals.

While not formally associated with any party, Putin pledged his support to the newly formed Unity Party, which won the second largest percentage of the popular vote (23.3%) in the December 1999 Duma elections, and in turn supported Putin.

1999–2000: Acting presidency

Main article: Putin's rise to power

On 31 December 1999, Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned and, according to the Constitution of Russia, Putin became Acting President of the Russian Federation. On assuming this role, Putin went on a previously scheduled visit to Russian troops in Chechnya.

The first presidential decree that Putin signed on 31 December 1999 was titled "On guarantees for the former president of the Russian Federation and the members of his family". This ensured that "corruption charges against the outgoing President and his relatives" would not be pursued. This was most notably targeted at the Mabetex bribery case in which Yeltsin's family members were involved. On 30 August 2000, a criminal investigation (number 18/238278-95) in which Putin himself, as a member of the Saint Petersburg city government, was one of the suspects, was dropped.

On 30 December 2000, yet another case against the prosecutor general was dropped "for lack of evidence", despite thousands of documents having been forwarded by Swiss prosecutors. On 12 February 2001, Putin signed a similar federal law which replaced the decree of 1999. A case regarding Putin's alleged corruption in metal exports from 1992 was brought back by Marina Salye, but she was silenced and forced to leave Saint Petersburg.

While his opponents had been preparing for an election in June 2000, Yeltsin's resignation resulted in the presidential elections being held on 26 March 2000; Putin won in the first round with 53% of the vote.

2000–2004: First presidential term

See also: Vladimir Putin 2000 presidential campaign
Putin taking the presidential oath beside Boris Yeltsin, May 2000

The inauguration of President Putin occurred on 7 May 2000. He appointed the minister of finance, Mikhail Kasyanov, as prime minister. The first major challenge to Putin's popularity came in August 2000, when he was criticized for the alleged mishandling of the Kursk submarine disaster. That criticism was largely because it took several days for Putin to return from vacation, and several more before he visited the scene.

Between 2000 and 2004, Putin set about the reconstruction of the impoverished condition of the country, apparently winning a power-struggle with the Russian oligarchs, reaching a 'grand bargain' with them. This bargain allowed the oligarchs to maintain most of their powers, in exchange for their explicit support for—and alignment with—Putin's government.

Putin with Tom Brokaw before an interview on 2 June 2000

The Moscow theater hostage crisis occurred in October 2002. Many in the Russian press and in the international media warned that the deaths of 130 hostages in the special forces' rescue operation during the crisis would severely damage President Putin's popularity. However, shortly after the siege had ended, the Russian president enjoyed record public approval ratings—83% of Russians declared themselves satisfied with Putin and his handling of the siege.

In 2003, a referendum was held in Chechnya, adopting a new constitution which declares that the Republic of Chechnya is a part of Russia; on the other hand, the region did acquire autonomy. Chechnya has been gradually stabilized with the establishment of the Parliamentary elections and a Regional Government. Throughout the Second Chechen War, Russia severely disabled the Chechen rebel movement; however, sporadic attacks by rebels continued to occur throughout the northern Caucasus.

2004–2008: Second presidential term

See also: Vladimir Putin 2004 presidential campaign
Putin with Junichiro Koizumi, Jacques Chirac, Gerhard Schröder, George W. Bush and other state leaders in Moscow during the Victory Day parade, 9 May 2005

On 14 March 2004, Putin was elected to the presidency for a second term, receiving 71% of the vote. The Beslan school hostage crisis took place on 1–3 September 2004; more than 330 people died, including 186 children.

The near 10-year period prior to the rise of Putin after the dissolution of Soviet rule was a time of upheaval in Russia. In a 2005 Kremlin speech, Putin characterized the collapse of the Soviet Union as the "greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the twentieth century". Putin elaborated, "Moreover, the epidemic of disintegration infected Russia itself." The country's cradle-to-grave social safety net was gone and life expectancy declined in the period preceding Putin's rule. In 2005, the National Priority Projects were launched to improve Russia's health care, education, housing, and agriculture.

The continued criminal prosecution of the wealthiest man in Russia at the time, president of Yukos oil and gas company Mikhail Khodorkovsky, for fraud and tax evasion was seen by the international press as a retaliation for Khodorkovsky's donations to both liberal and communist opponents of the Kremlin. Khodorkovsky was arrested, Yukos was bankrupted, and the company's assets were auctioned at below-market value, with the largest share acquired by the state company Rosneft. The fate of Yukos was seen as a sign of a broader shift of Russia towards a system of state capitalism. This was underscored in July 2014, when shareholders of Yukos were awarded $50 billion in compensation by the Permanent Arbitration Court in The Hague.

On 7 October 2006, Anna Politkovskaya, a journalist who exposed corruption in the Russian army and its conduct in Chechnya, was shot in the lobby of her apartment building, on Putin's birthday. The death of Politkovskaya triggered international criticism, with accusations that Putin had failed to protect the country's new independent media. Putin himself said that her death caused the government more problems than her writings.

In a January 2007 meeting with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Putin brought in his Labrador in front of her, who has a phobia of dogs.

In January 2007, Putin met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at his Black Sea residence in Sochi, two weeks after Russia switched off oil supplies to Germany. Putin brought his black Labrador Konni in front of Merkel, who has a noted phobia of dogs and looked visibly uncomfortable in its presence, adding, "I'm sure it will behave itself", causing a furor among the German press corps. When asked about the incident in a January 2016 interview with Bild, Putin claimed he was not aware of her phobia, adding, "I wanted to make her happy. When I found out that she did not like dogs, I of course apologized." Merkel later told a group of reporters, "I understand why he has to do this – to prove he's a man. He's afraid of his own weakness. Russia has nothing, no successful politics or economy. All they have is this."

Putin, Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush and Lyudmila Putina at the state funeral of Boris Yeltsin in Moscow, April 2007

In a speech in February 2007 at the Munich Security Conference, Putin complained about the feeling of insecurity engendered by the dominant position in geopolitics of the United States and observed that a former NATO official had made rhetorical promises not to expand into new countries in Eastern Europe.

On 14 July 2007, Putin announced that Russia would suspend implementation of its Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe obligations, effective after 150 days, and suspend its ratification of the Adapted Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, which treaty was shunned by NATO members abeyant Russian withdrawal from Transnistria and the Republic of Georgia. Moscow continued to participate in the joint consultative group, because it hoped that dialogue could lead to the creation of an effective, new conventional arms control regime in Europe. Russia did specify steps that NATO could take to end the suspension. "These include members cutting their arms allotments and further restricting temporary weapons deployments on each NATO member's territory. Russia also want constraints eliminated on how many forces it can deploy in its southern and northern flanks. Moreover, it is pressing NATO members to ratify a 1999 updated version of the accord, known as the Adapted CFE Treaty, and demanding that the four alliance members outside the original treaty, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia, join it."

In early 2007, "Dissenters' Marches" were organized by the opposition group The Other Russia, led by former chess champion Garry Kasparov and national-Bolshevist leader Eduard Limonov. Following prior warnings, demonstrations in several Russian cities were met by police action, which included interfering with the travel of the protesters and the arrests of as many as 150 people who attempted to break through police lines.

On 12 September 2007, Putin dissolved the government upon the request of Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov. Fradkov commented that it was to give the President a "free hand" in the run-up to the parliamentary election. Viktor Zubkov was appointed the new prime minister. On 19 September 2007, Putin's nuclear-capable bombers commenced exercises near the US, for the first time since the downfall of the USSR.

In December 2007, United Russia—the governing party that supports the policies of Putin—won 64.24% of the popular vote in their run for State Duma according to election preliminary results. United Russia's victory in the December 2007 elections was seen by many as an indication of strong popular support of the then Russian leadership and its policies. On 11 February 2008, while Putin addressed the 15th anniversary party of Gazprom, its employees threatened Ukraine with a stoppage of flow.

On 4 April 2008 at the NATO Bucharest summit, invitee Putin told George W. Bush and other conference delegates: "We view the appearance of a powerful military bloc on our border as a direct threat to the security of our nation. The claim that this process is not directed against Russia will not suffice. National security is not based on promises."

2008–2012: Second premiership

Further information: Vladimir Putin's Second Cabinet and Medvedev–Putin tandemocracySee also: Presidency of Dmitry Medvedev
Putin with Dmitry Medvedev, March 2008

Putin was barred from a third consecutive term by the Constitution. First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was elected his successor. In a power-switching operation on 8 May 2008, only a day after handing the presidency to Medvedev, Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia, maintaining his political dominance.

Putin has said that overcoming the consequences of the world economic crisis was one of the two main achievements of his second premiership. The other was stabilizing the size of Russia's population between 2008 and 2011 following a long period of demographic collapse that began in the 1990s.

The Russo-Georgian War that both started and finished in August 2008 was imagined by Putin and communicated to his staff as early 2006.

It was during this premiership that the 2009 Russia–Ukraine gas dispute occurred, and Putin controlled the Gazprom chessboard, according to Andriy Kobolyev, who was then an advisor to the CEO of the Ukrainian Naftogaz utility. Putin observed at a German trade show in 2010 that if his hosts did not want Russia's natural gas nor nuclear power they could always heat with wood, and for that they would need to log Siberia.

At the United Russia Congress in Moscow on 24 September 2011, Medvedev officially proposed that Putin stand for the presidency in 2012, an offer Putin accepted. Given United Russia's near-total dominance of Russian politics, many observers believed that Putin was assured of a third term. The move was expected to see Medvedev stand on the United Russia ticket in the parliamentary elections in December, with a goal of becoming prime minister at the end of his presidential term.

After the parliamentary elections on 4 December 2011, tens of thousands of Russians engaged in protests against alleged electoral fraud, the largest protests in Putin's time. Protesters criticized Putin and United Russia and demanded annulment of the election results. Those protests sparked the fear of a colour revolution in society. Putin allegedly organized a number of paramilitary groups loyal to himself and to the United Russia party in the period between 2005 and 2012.

2012–2018: Third presidential term

See also: Vladimir Putin 2012 presidential campaign
Nikolai Patrushev is believed to be one of the closest advisors to Putin.

Shortly after Medvedev took office in 2008, presidential terms were extended from four to six years, effective with the 2012 election.

On 24 September 2011, while speaking at the United Russia party congress, Medvedev announced that he would recommend the party nominate Putin as its presidential candidate. He also revealed that the two men had long ago cut a deal to allow Putin to run for president in 2012. This switch was termed by many in the media as "Rokirovka", the Russian term for the chess move "castling".

On 4 March 2012, Putin won the 2012 Russian presidential election in the first round, with 63.6% of the vote, despite widespread accusations of vote-rigging. Opposition groups accused Putin and the United Russia party of fraud. While efforts to make the elections transparent were publicized, including the usage of webcams in polling stations, the vote was criticized by the Russian opposition and by international observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe for procedural irregularities.

Anti-Putin protests took place during and directly after the presidential campaign. The most notorious protest was the Pussy Riot performance on 21 February, and subsequent trial. An estimated 8,000–20,000 protesters gathered in Moscow on 6 May, when eighty people were injured in confrontations with police, and 450 were arrested, with another 120 arrests taking place the following day. A counter-protest of Putin supporters occurred which culminated in a gathering of an estimated 130,000 supporters at the Luzhniki Stadium, Russia's largest stadium. Some of the attendees stated that they had been paid to come, were forced to come by their employers, or were misled into believing that they were going to attend a folk festival instead. The rally is considered to be the largest in support of Putin to date.

Putin at a bilateral meeting with U.S. president Barack Obama during the G8 summit in Ireland, 17 June 2013

Putin's presidency was inaugurated in the Kremlin on 7 May 2012. On his first day as president, Putin issued 14 presidential decrees, which are sometimes called the "May Decrees" by the media, including a lengthy one stating wide-ranging goals for the Russian economy. Other decrees concerned education, housing, skilled labor training, relations with the European Union, the defense industry, inter-ethnic relations, and other policy areas dealt with in Putin's program articles issued during the presidential campaign.

In 2012 and 2013, Putin and the United Russia party backed stricter legislation against the LGBT community, in Saint Petersburg, Archangelsk, and Novosibirsk; a law called the Russian gay propaganda law, that is against "homosexual propaganda" (which prohibits such symbols as the rainbow flag, as well as published works containing homosexual content) was adopted by the State Duma in June 2013. Responding to international concerns about Russia's legislation, Putin asked critics to note that the law was a "ban on the propaganda of pedophilia and homosexuality" and he stated that homosexual visitors to the 2014 Winter Olympics should "leave the children in peace" but denied there was any "professional, career or social discrimination" against homosexuals in Russia.

In June 2013, Putin attended a televised rally of the All-Russia People's Front where he was elected head of the movement, which was set up in 2011. According to journalist Steve Rosenberg, the movement is intended to "reconnect the Kremlin to the Russian people" and one day, if necessary, replace the increasingly unpopular United Russia party that currently backs Putin.

Annexation of Crimea

Main article: Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation Further information: Russia–Ukraine relations, Russo-Ukrainian War, War in Donbas (2014–2022), Normandy Format, and Minsk agreements
Crimea (dark green), rest of Ukraine (light green) and Russia (light red) in Europe
Putin in Normandy Format talks with Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president François Hollande, 17 October 2014.

In February 2014, Russia made several military incursions into Ukrainian territory. After the Euromaidan protests and the fall of Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, Russian soldiers without insignias took control of strategic positions and infrastructure within the Ukrainian territory of Crimea. Russia then annexed Crimea and Sevastopol after a referendum in which, according to official results, Crimeans voted to join the Russian Federation. Subsequently, demonstrations against Ukrainian Rada legislative actions by pro-Russian groups in the Donbas area of Ukraine escalated into the Russo-Ukrainian War between the Ukrainian government and the Russia-backed separatist forces of the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. In August 2014, Russian military vehicles crossed the border in several locations of Donetsk Oblast. The incursion by the Russian military was seen by Ukrainian authorities as responsible for the defeat of Ukrainian forces in early September.

In October 2014, Putin addressed Russian security concerns in Sochi at the Valdai International Discussion Club. In November 2014, the Ukrainian military reported intensive movement of troops and equipment from Russia into the separatist-controlled parts of eastern Ukraine. The Associated Press reported 80 unmarked military vehicles on the move in rebel-controlled areas. An OSCE Special Monitoring Mission observed convoys of heavy weapons and tanks in DPR-controlled territory without insignia. OSCE monitors further stated that they observed vehicles transporting ammunition and soldiers' dead bodies crossing the Russian-Ukrainian border under the guise of humanitarian-aid convoys.

As of early August 2015, the OSCE observed over 21 such vehicles marked with the Russian military code for soldiers killed in action. According to The Moscow Times, Russia has tried to intimidate and silence human-rights workers discussing Russian soldiers' deaths in the conflict. The OSCE repeatedly reported that its observers were denied access to the areas controlled by "combined Russian-separatist forces".

In October 2015, The Washington Post reported that Russia had redeployed some of its elite units from Ukraine to Syria in recent weeks to support Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. In December 2015, Putin admitted that Russian military intelligence officers were operating in Ukraine.

The Moscow Times quoted pro-Russian academic Andrei Tsygankov as saying that many members of the international community assumed that Putin's annexation of Crimea had initiated a completely new type of Russian foreign policy and that his foreign policy had shifted "from state-driven foreign policy" to taking an offensive stance to recreate the Soviet Union. In July 2015, he opined that this policy shift could be understood as Putin trying to defend nations in Russia's sphere of influence from "encroaching western power".

Intervention in Syria

Main articles: Russian intervention in the Syrian civil war and Russian involvement in the Syrian civil war See also: Foreign involvement in the Syrian civil war and Russia–Syria relations
Putin meets with U.S. president Barack Obama in New York City to discuss Syria and ISIL, 29 September 2015.
Putin with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in 2017

On 30 September 2015, President Putin authorized Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war, following a formal request by the Syrian government for military help against rebel and jihadist groups.

The Russian military activities consisted of air strikes, cruise missile strikes and the use of front line advisors and Russian special forces against militant groups opposed to the Syrian government, including the Syrian opposition, as well as Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), al-Nusra Front (al-Qaeda in the Levant), Tahrir al-Sham, Ahrar al-Sham, and the Army of Conquest. After Putin's announcement on 14 March 2016 that the mission he had set for the Russian military in Syria had been "largely accomplished" and ordered the withdrawal of the "main part" of the Russian forces from Syria, Russian forces deployed in Syria continued to actively operate in support of the Syrian government.

Russia's interference in the 2016 US election

Main articles: Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections and Timeline of Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections See also: Russia–United States relations

In January 2017, a U.S. intelligence community assessment expressed high confidence that Putin personally ordered an influence campaign, initially to denigrate Hillary Clinton and to harm her electoral chances and potential presidency, then later developing "a clear preference" for Donald Trump. Trump consistently denied any Russian interference in the U.S. election, as did Putin in December 2016, March 2017, June 2017, and July 2017.

Putin later stated that interference was "theoretically possible" and could have been perpetrated by "patriotically minded" Russian hackers, and on another occasion claimed "not even Russians, but Ukrainians, Tatars or Jews, but with Russian citizenship" might have been responsible. In July 2018, The New York Times reported that the CIA had long nurtured a Russian source who eventually rose to a position close to Putin, allowing the source to pass key information in 2016 about Putin's direct involvement. Putin continued similar attempts in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

2018–2024: Fourth presidential term

See also: Vladimir Putin 2018 presidential campaign
Putin and the newly appointed prime minister Mikhail Mishustin meeting with members of Mishustin's Cabinet, 21 January 2020

Putin won the 2018 Russian presidential election with more than 76% of the vote. His fourth term began on 7 May 2018, and will last until 2024. On the same day, Putin invited Dmitry Medvedev to form a new government. On 15 May 2018, Putin took part in the opening of the movement along the highway section of the Crimean bridge. On 18 May 2018, Putin signed decrees on the composition of the new Government. On 25 May 2018, Putin announced that he would not run for president in 2024, justifying this in compliance with the Russian Constitution. On 14 June 2018, Putin opened the 21st FIFA World Cup, which took place in Russia for the first time. On 18 October 2018, Putin said Russians will 'go to Heaven as martyrs' in the event of a nuclear war as he would only use nuclear weapons in retaliation. In September 2019, Putin's administration interfered with the results of Russia's nationwide regional elections and manipulated it by eliminating all candidates in the opposition. The event that was aimed at contributing to the ruling party, United Russia's victory, also contributed to inciting mass protests for democracy, leading to large-scale arrests and cases of police brutality.

On 15 January 2020, Medvedev and his entire government resigned after Putin's 2020 Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly. Putin suggested major constitutional amendments that could extend his political power after presidency. At the same time, on behalf of Putin, he continued to exercise his powers until the formation of a new government. Putin suggested that Medvedev take the newly created post of deputy chairman of the Security Council.

On the same day, Putin nominated Mikhail Mishustin, head of the country's Federal Tax Service for the post of prime minister. The next day, he was confirmed by the State Duma to the post, and appointed prime minister by Putin's decree. This was the first time ever that a prime minister was confirmed without any votes against. On 21 January 2020, Mishustin presented to Putin a draft structure of his Cabinet. On the same day, the president signed a decree on the structure of the Cabinet and appointed the proposed ministers.

COVID-19 pandemic

Main article: COVID-19 pandemic in Russia
Putin (dressed in the yellow hazmat suit) visits COVID-19 patients at the City Clinical Hospital No. 40 in Moscow, 24 March 2020.

On 15 March 2020, Putin instructed to form a Working Group of the State Council to counteract the spread of COVID-19. Putin appointed Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin as the head of the group.

On 22 March 2020, after a phone call with Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte, Putin arranged the Russian army to send military medics, special disinfection vehicles and other medical equipment to Italy, which was the European country hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Putin began working remotely from his office at Novo-Ogaryovo. According to Dmitry Peskov, Putin passed daily tests for COVID-19, and his health was not in danger.

On 25 March, President Putin announced in a televised address to the nation that the 22 April constitutional referendum would be postponed due to COVID-19. He added that the next week would be a nationwide paid holiday and urged Russians to stay at home. Putin also announced a list of measures of social protection, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and changes in fiscal policy. Putin announced the following measures for microenterprises, small- and medium-sized businesses: deferring tax payments (except Russia's value-added tax) for the next six months, cutting the size of social security contributions in half, deferring social security contributions, deferring loan repayments for the next six months, a six-month moratorium on fines, debt collection, and creditors' applications for bankruptcy of debtor enterprises.

On 2 April 2020, Putin again issued an address in which he announced prolongation of the non-working time until 30 April. Putin likened Russia's fight against COVID-19 to Russia's battles with invading Pecheneg and Cuman steppe nomads in the 10th and 11th centuries. In a 24 to 27 April Levada poll, 48% of Russian respondents said that they disapproved of Putin's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his strict isolation and lack of leadership during the crisis was widely commented as sign of losing his "strongman" image.

Putin's first deputy chief of staff Sergey Kiriyenko (left) is in charge of Russia's domestic politics.

In June 2021, Putin said he was fully vaccinated against the disease with the Sputnik V vaccine, emphasising that while vaccinations should be voluntary, making them mandatory in some professions would slow down the spread of COVID-19. In September, Putin entered self-isolation after people in his inner circle tested positive for the disease. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Putin's inner circle of advisors shrank during the COVID-19 lockdown to a small number of hawkish advisers.

Constitutional referendum and amendments

Main article: 2020 Russian constitutional referendum

Putin signed an executive order on 3 July 2020 to officially insert amendments into the Russian Constitution, allowing him to run for two additional six-year terms. These amendments took effect on 4 July 2020.

In 2020 and 2021, protests were held in the Khabarovsk Krai in Russia's Far East in support of arrested regional governor Sergei Furgal. The 2020 Khabarovsk Krai protests became increasingly anti-Putin over time. A July 2020 Levada poll found that 45% of surveyed Russians supported the protests. On 22 December 2020, Putin signed a bill giving lifetime prosecutorial immunity to Russian ex-presidents.

Iran trade deal

See also: Iran–Russia relations
Putin in a meeting with Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and supreme leader Ali Khamenei on 19 July 2022

Putin met Iran President Ebrahim Raisi in January 2022 to lay the groundwork for a 20-year deal between the two nations.

2021–2022 Russo-Ukrainian crisis

Main article: Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Putin holds a video call with U.S. president Joe Biden on 7 December 2021.

In July 2021, Putin published an essay titled On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians, in which he states that Belarusians, Ukrainians and Russians should be in one All-Russian nation as a part of the Russian world and are "one people" whom "forces that have always sought to undermine our unity" wanted to "divide and rule". The essay denies the existence of Ukraine as an independent nation.

On 30 November 2021, Putin stated that an enlargement of NATO in Ukraine would be a "red line" issue for Russia. The Kremlin repeatedly denied that it had any plans to invade Ukraine, and Putin himself dismissed such fears as "alarmist". On 21 February 2022, Putin signed a decree recognizing the two self-proclaimed separatist republics in Donbas as independent states and made an address concerning the events in Ukraine.

Putin was persuaded to invade Ukraine by a small group of his closest associates, especially Nikolai Patrushev, Yury Kovalchuk and Alexander Bortnikov. According to sources close to the Kremlin, most of Putin's advisers and associates opposed the invasion, but Putin overruled them. The invasion of Ukraine had been planned for almost a year.

Full-scale invasion of Ukraine (2022–present)

Main articles: Russian invasion of Ukraine and Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

On 24 February, Putin in a televised address announced a "special military operation" (SMO) in Ukraine, launching a full-scale invasion of the country. Citing a purpose of "denazification", he claimed to be doing this to protect people in the predominantly Russian-speaking region of Donbas who, according to Putin, faced "humiliation and genocide" from Ukraine for eight years. Minutes after the speech, he launched a war to gain control of the remainder of the country and overthrow the elected government under the pretext that it was run by Nazis. Russia's invasion was met with international condemnation. International sanctions were widely imposed against Russia, including against Putin personally. The invasion also led to numerous calls for Putin to be pursued with war crime charges. The International Criminal Court (ICC) stated that it would investigate the possibility of war crimes in Ukraine since late 2013, and the United States pledged to help the ICC to prosecute Putin and others for war crimes committed during the invasion of Ukraine. In response to these condemnations, Putin put the Strategic Rocket Forces's nuclear deterrence units on high alert. By early March, U.S. intelligence agencies determined that Putin was "frustrated" by slow progress due to an unexpectedly strong Ukrainian defense.

Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with Russian officers on 20 October 2022

On 4 March, Putin signed into law a bill introducing prison sentences of up to 15 years for those who publish "knowingly false information" about the Russian military and its operations, leading to some media outlets in Russia to stop reporting on Ukraine. On 7 March, as a condition for ending the invasion, the Kremlin demanded Ukraine's neutrality, recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, and recognition of the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states. On 8 March Putin promised that no conscripts would be used in the SMO. On 16 March, Putin issued a warning to Russian "traitors" who he said the West wanted to use as a "fifth column" to destroy Russia. Following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia's long-term demographic crisis deepened due to emigration, lower fertility rates and war-related casualties.

As early as 25 March, the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights reported that Putin ordered a "kidnapping" policy, whereby Ukrainian nationals who did not cooperate with the Russian takeover of their homeland were victimized by FSB agents. On 28 March, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was "99.9 percent sure" that Putin thought the Ukrainians would welcome the invading forces with "flowers and smiles" while he opened the door to negotiations on the offer that Ukraine would henceforth be a non-aligned state.

On 21 September, Putin announced a partial mobilization, following a successful Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kharkiv and the announcement of annexation referendums in Russian-occupied Ukraine.

Ukrainian oblasts annexed by Russia since 2014 (Crimea) and 2022 (Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia), with a red line marking the area of actual control by Russia on 30 September 2022

On 30 September, Putin signed decrees which annexed Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts of Ukraine into the Russian Federation. The annexations are not recognized by the international community and are illegal under international law. On 11 November the same year, Ukraine liberated Kherson.

In December 2022, he said that a war against Ukraine could be a "long process". Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in the Russo-Ukrainian War since February 2022. In January 2023, Putin cited recognition of Russia's sovereignty over the annexed territories as a condition for peace talks with Ukraine.

On 20–22 March 2023, Chinese president Xi Jinping visited Russia and met with Vladimir Putin both in official and unofficial capacity. It was the first international meeting of Vladimir Putin since the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest.

Putin welcomes Chinese president Xi Jinping to Moscow, 21 March 2023.

In May 2023, South Africa announced that it would grant diplomatic immunity to Vladimir Putin to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg despite the ICC arrest warrant. In July 2023, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Putin would not attend the summit "by mutual agreement" and would instead send Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Putin with South African president Cyril Ramaphosa in St. Petersburg on 17 June 2023

In July 2023, Putin threatened to take "reciprocal action" if Ukraine used US-supplied cluster munitions during a Ukrainian counter-offensive against Russian forces in occupied southeastern Ukraine. On 17 July 2023, Putin withdrew from a deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain across the Black Sea despite a wartime blockade, risking deepening the global food crisis and antagonizing neutral countries in the Global South.

On 27–28 July, Putin hosted the 2023 Russia–Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, which was attended by delegations from more than 40 African countries. As of August 2023, the total number of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers killed or wounded during the Russian invasion of Ukraine was nearly 500,000.

Putin condemned the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel that sparked the Israel–Hamas war and said Israel had a right to defend itself, but also criticized Israel's response and said Israel should not besiege the Gaza Strip in the way Nazi Germany besieged Leningrad. Putin suggested that Russia could be a mediator in the conflict. Putin blamed the war on the United States' failed foreign policy in the Middle East and expressed concern over the suffering of Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip. In a December 2023 call between Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Putin, Netanyahu expressed displeasure over Russia's conduct at the United Nations and described its growing ties to Iran as dangerous.

On 22 November 2023, Putin claimed that Russia was always "ready for talks" to end the "tragedy" of the war in Ukraine, and accused the Ukrainian leadership of rejecting peace talks with Russia. However, on 14 December 2023, Putin said, "there will only be peace in Ukraine when we achieve our aims", which he said are "de-Nazification, de-militarization and a neutral status" of Ukraine. On 23 December 2023, The New York Times reported that Putin has been signaling through intermediaries since at least September 2022 that "he is open to a ceasefire that freezes the fighting along the current lines".

Protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine in Nice, France, 27 February 2022

ICC arrest warrant

Main article: International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Russian figures See also: International Criminal Court investigation in Ukraine and Child abductions in the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Putin with Mongolian president Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on 3 September 2024. Mongolia was the first ICC member state to openly defy the court's arrest warrant for Putin.

On 17 March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for Putin's arrest, alleging that Putin held criminal responsibility in the illegal deportation and transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

It was the first time that the ICC had issued an arrest warrant for the head of state of one of the five Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council, (the world's five principal nuclear powers).

The ICC simultaneously issued an arrest warrant for Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children's Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation. Both are charged with:

:...the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation,... ...for their publicized program, since 24 February 2022, of forced deportations of thousands of unaccompanied Ukrainian children to Russia, from areas of eastern Ukraine under Russian control.

Russia has maintained that the deportations were humanitarian efforts to protect orphans and other children abandoned in the conflict region.

2023 Wagner rebellion

Main article: Wagner Group rebellion
Putin making an address to the Russian people regarding Yevgeny Prigozhin's private military company Wagner Group rebellion on 24 June 2023

On 23 June 2023, the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, rebelled against the government of Russia. The revolt arose amidst escalating tensions between the Russian Ministry of Defense and Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner.

Prigozhin portrayed the rebellion as a response to an alleged attack on his forces by the ministry. He dismissed the government's justification for invading Ukraine, blamed Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu for the country's military shortcomings, and accused him of waging the war for the benefit of Russian oligarchs. In a televised address on 24 June, Russian president Vladimir Putin denounced Wagner's actions as treason and pledged to quell the rebellion.

Prigozhin's forces seized control of Rostov-on-Don and the Southern Military District headquarters and advanced towards Moscow in an armored column. Following negotiations with Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, Prigozhin agreed to stand down and, late on 24 June, began withdrawing from Rostov-on-Don.

On 23 August 2023, exactly two months after the rebellion, Prigozhin was killed along with nine other people when a business jet crashed in Tver Oblast, north of Moscow. Western intelligence reported that the crash was probably caused by an explosion on board, and it is widely suspected that the Russian state were involved.

2024–present: Fifth presidential term

See also: Vladimir Putin 2024 presidential campaign
Putin's speech on the Crocus City Hall attack
Putin and Vietnamese president Tô Lâm in Hanoi, Vietnam, 20 June 2024
Putin with heads of delegations at the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, 24 October 2024

Putin won the 2024 Russian presidential election with 88.48% of the vote. International observers did not consider the election to be either free or fair, with Putin having increased political repressions after launching his full-scale war with Ukraine in 2022. The elections were also held in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. There were reports of irregularities, including ballot stuffing and coercion, with statistical analysis suggesting unprecedented levels of fraud in the 2024 elections.

On 22 March 2024, the Crocus City Hall attack took place, causing the deaths of at least 145 people and injuring at least 551 more. It was the deadliest terrorist attack on Russian soil since the Beslan school siege in 2004.

On 7 May 2024, Putin was inaugurated as president of Russia for the fifth time. According to analysts, replacing Sergei Shoigu with Andrey Belousov as defense minister signals that Putin wants to transform the Russian economy into a war economy and is "preparing for many more years of war". In May 2024, four Russian sources told Reuters that Putin was ready to end the war in Ukraine with a negotiated ceasefire that would recognize Russia's war gains and freeze the war on current front lines, as Putin wanted to avoid unpopular steps such as further nationwide mobilization and increased war spending.

On 2 August 2024, Putin pardoned American journalist Evan Gershkovich, opposition figures Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin and others in a prisoner swap with western countries. The 2024 Ankara prisoner exchange was the most extensive prisoner exchange between Russia and United States since the end of the Cold War, involving the release of twenty-six people.

On 25 September 2024, Putin warned the West that if attacked with conventional weapons Russia would consider a nuclear retaliation, in an apparent deviation from the no first use doctrine. Putin went on to threaten nuclear powers that if they supported another country's attack on Russia, then they would be considered participants in such an aggression. Russia and the United States are the world's biggest nuclear powers, holding about 88% of the world's nuclear weapons. Putin has made several implicit nuclear threats since the outbreak of war against Ukraine. Experts say Putin's announcement is aimed at dissuading the United States, the United Kingdom and France from allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range missiles such as the Storm Shadow and ATACMS in strikes against Russia.

Domestic policies

Main article: Domestic policy of Vladimir Putin See also: Freedom of assembly in Russia, Media freedom in Russia, and Internet censorship in Russia Further information: 2011–2013 Russian protests, 2017–2018 Russian protests, and Bolotnaya Square case

Putin's domestic policies, particularly early in his first presidency, were aimed at creating a vertical power structure. On 13 May 2000, he issued a decree organizing the 89 federal subjects of Russia into seven administrative federal districts and appointed a presidential envoy responsible for each of those districts (whose official title is Plenipotentiary Representative).

In May 2000, Putin introduced seven federal districts for administrative purposes. In January 2010, the 8th North Caucasus Federal District (shown here in purple) was split from the Southern Federal District. In March 2014, the new 9th Crimean Federal District was formed after the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation. In July 2016, it was incorporated into the Southern Federal District.

According to Stephen White, under the presidency of Putin, Russia made it clear that it had no intention of establishing a "second edition" of the American or British political system, but rather a system that was closer to Russia's own traditions and circumstances. Some commentators have described Putin's administration as a "sovereign democracy". According to the proponents of that description (primarily Vladislav Surkov), the government's actions and policies ought above all to enjoy popular support within Russia itself and not be directed or influenced from outside the country.

The practice of the system is characterized by Swedish economist Anders Åslund as manual management, commenting: "After Putin resumed the presidency in 2012, his rule is best described as 'manual management' as the Russians like to put it. Putin does whatever he wants, with little consideration to the consequences with one important caveat. During the Russian financial crash of August 1998, Putin learned that financial crises are politically destabilizing and must be avoided at all costs. Therefore, he cares about financial stability."

The period after 2012 saw mass protests against the falsification of elections, censorship and toughening of free assembly laws. In July 2000, according to a law proposed by Putin and approved by the Federal Assembly of Russia, Putin gained the right to dismiss the heads of the 89 federal subjects. In 2004, the direct election of those heads (usually called "governors") by popular vote was replaced with a system whereby they would be nominated by the president and approved or disapproved by regional legislatures.

This was seen by Putin as a necessary move to stop separatist tendencies and get rid of those governors who were connected with organised crime. This and other government actions effected under Putin's presidency have been criticized by many independent Russian media outlets and Western commentators as anti-democratic.

During his first term in office, Putin opposed some of the Yeltsin-era business oligarchs, as well as his political opponents, resulting in the exile or imprisonment of such people as Boris Berezovsky, Vladimir Gusinsky, and Mikhail Khodorkovsky; other oligarchs such as Roman Abramovich and Arkady Rotenberg are friends and allies with Putin. Putin succeeded in codifying land law and tax law and promulgated new codes on labor, administrative, criminal, commercial and civil procedural law. Under Medvedev's presidency, Putin's government implemented some key reforms in the area of state security, the Russian police reform and the Russian military reform.

Economic, industrial, and energy policies

See also: Economy of Russia, Energy policy of Russia, Great Recession in Russia, Russian financial crisis (2014–2016), and Economic impact of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Russian GDP since the end of the Soviet Union

Sergey Guriyev, when talking about Putin's economic policy, divided it into four distinct periods: the "reform" years of his first term (1999–2003); the "statist" years of his second term (2004—the first half of 2008); the world economic crisis and recovery (the second half of 2008–2013); and the Russo-Ukrainian War, Russia's growing isolation from the global economy, and stagnation (2014–present).

In 2000, Putin launched the "Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of the Russian Federation for the Period 2000–2010", but it was abandoned in 2008 when it was 30% complete. Fueled by the 2000s commodities boom including record-high oil prices, under the Putin administration from 2000 to 2016, an increase in income in USD terms was 4.5 times. During Putin's first eight years in office, industry grew substantially, as did production, construction, real incomes, credit, and the middle class. A fund for oil revenue allowed Russia to repay Soviet Union's debts by 2005. Russia joined the World Trade Organization in August 2012.

In 2006, Putin launched an industry consolidation programme to bring the main aircraft-producing companies under a single umbrella organization, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). In September 2020, the UAC general director announced that the UAC will receive the largest-ever post-Soviet government support package for the aircraft industry in order to pay and renegotiate the debt.

Putin, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller and Chinese president Xi Jinping. The Russian economy is heavily dependent on the export of natural resources such as oil and natural gas.

In 2014, Putin signed a deal to supply China with 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. Power of Siberia, which Putin has called the "world's biggest construction project," was launched in 2019 and is expected to continue for 30 years at an ultimate cost to China of $400bn. The ongoing financial crisis began in the second half of 2014 when the Russian ruble collapsed due to a decline in the price of oil and international sanctions against Russia. These events in turn led to loss of investor confidence and capital flight, although it has also been argued that the sanctions had little to no effect on Russia's economy. In 2014, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project named Putin their Person of the Year for furthering corruption and organized crime.

According to Meduza, Putin has since 2007 predicted on a number of occasions that Russia will become one of the world's five largest economies. In 2013, he said Russia was one of the five biggest economies in terms of gross domestic product but still lagged behind other countries on indicators such as labour productivity. By the end of 2023, Putin planned to spend almost 40% of public expenditures on defense and security.

Environmental policy

Main articles: Environment of Russia, Environmental issues in Russia, and Climate change in Russia

In 2004, Putin signed the Kyoto Protocol treaty designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, Russia did not face mandatory cuts, because the Kyoto Protocol limits emissions to a percentage increase or decrease from 1990 levels and Russia's greenhouse-gas emissions fell well below the 1990 baseline due to a drop in economic output after the breakup of the Soviet Union, excluding emissions from land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF).

In 2019 Russia joined the Paris Agreement. Russia's goal is to reach net zero by 2060, but its energy strategy to 2035 is mostly about burning more fossil fuels. Reporting military emissions is voluntary and, as of 2024, no data is available since before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Putin described climate change as a concerning fact with big consequences for Russia. He is not sure if it man made or not, but said that Russia is trying and will try to reduce man made emissions with forests and "low-emission energy", by this term he intends Natural gas, Nuclear energy and Hydroenergy in Russia. He said that rich countries should provide finance and technology to those with less money for lower emissions. Some describe his policy as "mimicry of climate policy" and say he turned environmentalizm into tool of political influence.

Religious policy

Main article: Religion in Russia
Putin with religious leaders of Russia, February 2001

Putin regularly attends the most important services of the Russian Orthodox Church on the main holy days and has established a good relationship with Patriarchs of the Russian Church, the late Alexy II of Moscow and the current Kirill of Moscow. As president, Putin took an active personal part in promoting the Act of Canonical Communion with the Moscow Patriarchate, signed 17 May 2007, which restored relations between the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia after the 80-year schism.

Under Putin, the Hasidic Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia became increasingly influential within the Jewish community, partly due to the influence of Federation-supporting businessmen mediated through their alliances with Putin, notably Lev Leviev and Roman Abramovich. According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Putin is popular amongst the Russian Jewish community, who see him as a force for stability. Russia's chief rabbi, Berel Lazar, said Putin "paid great attention to the needs of our community and related to us with a deep respect". In 2016, Ronald S. Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress, also praised Putin for making Russia "a country where Jews are welcome".

Human rights organizations and religious freedom advocates have criticized the state of religious freedom in Russia. In 2016, Putin oversaw the passage of legislation that prohibited missionary activity in Russia. Nonviolent religious minority groups have been repressed under anti-extremism laws, especially Jehovah's Witnesses. One of the 2020 amendments to the Constitution of Russia has a constitutional reference to God.

Military development

Main article: 2008 Russian military reform
Putin with Russia's long-serving Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu (left) and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov at the Vostok 2018 military exercise

The resumption of long-distance flights of Russia's strategic bombers was followed by the announcement by Russian defense minister Anatoliy Serdyukov during his meeting with Putin on 5 December 2007, that 11 ships, including the aircraft carrier Kuznetsov, would take part in the first major navy sortie into the Mediterranean since Soviet times.

Key elements of the reform included reducing the armed forces to a strength of one million, reducing the number of officers, centralising officer training from 65 military schools into 10 systemic military training centres, creating a professional NCO corps, reducing the size of the central command, introducing more civilian logistics and auxiliary staff, elimination of cadre-strength formations, reorganising the reserves, reorganising the army into a brigade system, and reorganising air forces into an airbase system instead of regiments.

Russian postage stamp honoring a soldier killed in the Russo-Ukrainian War. As of September 2024, the number of Russian soldiers killed and wounded in Ukraine was estimated at 600,000.

According to the Kremlin, Putin embarked on a build-up of Russia's nuclear capabilities because of U.S. president George W. Bush's unilateral decision to withdraw from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. To counter what Putin sees as the United States' goal of undermining Russia's strategic nuclear deterrent, Moscow has embarked on a program to develop new weapons capable of defeating any new American ballistic missile defense or interception system. Some analysts believe that this nuclear strategy under Putin has brought Russia into violation of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

Accordingly, U.S. president Donald Trump announced the U.S. would no longer consider itself bound by the treaty's provisions, raising nuclear tensions between the two powers. This prompted Putin to state that Russia would not launch first in a nuclear conflict but that "an aggressor should know that vengeance is inevitable, that he will be annihilated, and we would be the victims of the aggression. We will go to heaven as martyrs".

Putin has also sought to increase Russian territorial claims in the Arctic and its military presence there. In August 2007, Russian expedition Arktika 2007, part of research related to the 2001 Russian territorial extension claim, planted a flag on the seabed at the North Pole. Both Russian submarines and troops deployed in the Arctic have been increasing.

Human rights policy

Main article: Human rights in Russia See also: Dima Yakovlev Law, Russian foreign agent law, and Russian Internet Restriction Bill
Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny attends a march in memory of assassinated opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, Moscow, 29 February 2020.

New York City-based NGO Human Rights Watch, in a report entitled Laws of Attrition, authored by Hugh Williamson, the British director of HRW's Europe & Central Asia Division, has claimed that since May 2012, when Putin was reelected as president, Russia has enacted many restrictive laws, started inspections of non-governmental organizations, harassed, intimidated and imprisoned political activists, and started to restrict critics. The new laws include the "foreign agents" law, which is widely regarded as over-broad by including Russian human rights organizations which receive some international grant funding, the treason law, and the assembly law which penalizes many expressions of dissent. Human rights activists have criticized Russia for censoring speech of LGBT activists due to "the gay propaganda law" and increasing violence against LGBT+ people due to the law.

In 2020, Putin signed a law on labelling individuals and organizations receiving funding from abroad as "foreign agents". The law is an expansion of "foreign agent" legislation adopted in 2012.

As of June 2020, per Memorial Human Rights Center, there were 380 political prisoners in Russia, including 63 individuals prosecuted, directly or indirectly, for political activities (including Alexey Navalny) and 245 prosecuted for their involvement with one of the Muslim organizations that are banned in Russia. 78 individuals on the list, i.e., more than 20% of the total, are residents of Crimea. As of December 2022, more than 4,000 people were prosecuted for criticizing the war in Ukraine under Russia's war censorship laws.

The media

See also: Mass media in Russia, Media freedom in Russia, and Propaganda in Russia
Putin and Konstantin Ernst, chief of Russia's main state-controlled TV station Channel One. About 85% of Russians get most of their information from Russian state media.

Scott Gehlbach, a professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has claimed that since 1999, Putin has systematically punished journalists who challenge his official point of view. Maria Lipman, an American writing in Foreign Affairs claims, "The crackdown that followed Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012 extended to the liberal media, which had until then been allowed to operate fairly independently." The Internet has attracted Putin's attention because his critics have tried to use it to challenge his control of information. Marian K. Leighton, who worked for the CIA as a Soviet analyst in the 1980s says, "Having muzzled Russia's print and broadcast media, Putin focused his energies on the Internet."

Robert W. Orttung and Christopher Walker reported that "Reporters Without Borders, for instance, ranked Russia 148 in its 2013 list of 179 countries in terms of freedom of the press. It particularly criticized Russia for the crackdown on the political opposition and the failure of the authorities to vigorously pursue and bring to justice criminals who have murdered journalists. Freedom House ranks Russian media as "not free", indicating that basic safeguards and guarantees for journalists and media enterprises are absent. About two-thirds of Russians use television as their primary source of daily news.

In the early 2000s, Putin and his circle began promoting the idea in Russian media that they are the modern-day version of the 17th-century Romanov tsars who ended Russia's "Time of Troubles", meaning they claim to be the peacemakers and stabilizers after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Promoting conservatism

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Putin attends the Orthodox Christmas service in the village Turginovo in Kalininsky District, Tver Oblast, 7 January 2016.

Putin has promoted explicitly conservative policies in social, cultural, and political matters, both at home and abroad. Putin has attacked globalism and neoliberalism and is identified by scholars with Russian conservatism. Putin has promoted new think tanks that bring together like-minded intellectuals and writers. For example, the Izborsky Club, founded in 2012 by the conservative right-wing journalist Alexander Prokhanov, stresses (i) Russian nationalism, (ii) the restoration of Russia's historical greatness, and (iii) systematic opposition to liberal ideas and policies. Vladislav Surkov, a senior government official, has been one of the key economics consultants during Putin's presidency.

In cultural and social affairs Putin has collaborated closely with the Russian Orthodox Church. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, head of the Church, endorsed his election in 2012 stating Putin's terms were like "a miracle of God". Steven Myers reports, "The church, once heavily repressed, had emerged from the Soviet collapse as one of the most respected institutions... Now Kiril led the faithful directly into an alliance with the state."

Mark Woods, a Baptist Union of Great Britain minister and contributing editor to Christian Today, provides specific examples of how the Church has backed the expansion of Russian power into Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Some Russian Orthodox believers consider Putin a corrupt and brutal strongman or even a tyrant. Others do not admire him but appreciate that he aggravates their political opponents. Still others appreciate that Putin defends some although not all Orthodox teachings, whether or not he believes in them himself.

On abortion, Putin stated: "In the modern world, the decision is up to the woman herself." This put him at odds with the Russian Orthodox Church. In 2020, he supported efforts to reduce the number of abortions instead of prohibiting it. On 28 November 2023, during a speech to the World Russian People's Council, Putin urged Russian women to have "seven, eight, or even more children" and said "large families must become the norm, a way of life for all of Russia's people".

Putin supported the 2020 Russian constitutional referendum, which passed and defined marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman in the Constitution of Russia.

International sporting events

Putin, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final in Russia as French forward Kylian Mbappé receives the best young player award

In 2007, Putin led a successful effort on behalf of Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2014 Winter Paralympics, the first Winter Olympic Games to ever be hosted by Russia. In 2008, the city of Kazan won the bid for the 2013 Summer Universiade; on 2 December 2010, Russia won the right to host the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup, also for the first time in Russian history. In 2013, Putin stated that gay athletes would not face any discrimination at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Foreign policy

Main article: Foreign policy of Vladimir Putin See also: Foreign relations of Russia and List of international presidential trips made by Vladimir Putin
Putin's visit to the United States, November 2001

Generally, Putin's tenure experiences tensions with the west. Anna Borshchevskaya, in her 2022 book, summarizes Putin main foreign policy objectives as originating in his 30 December 1999 document which appeared on the government's website, "Russia at the Turn of the Millenium." She presents Putin as orienting himself to the plan that "Russia is a country with unique values in danger of losing its unity – which... is a historic Russian fear. This again points to the fundamental issue of Russia's identity issues – and how the state had manipulated these to drive anti-Western security narratives with the aim of eroding the US-led global order... Moreover, a look at Russia's distribution of forces over the years under Putin has been heavily weighted towards the south (Syria, Ukraine, Middle East), another indicator of the Kremlin's threat perceptions."

Leonid Bershidsky analyzed Putin's interview with the Financial Times and concluded, "Putin is an imperialist of the old Soviet school, rather than a nationalist or a racist, and he has cooperated with, and promoted, people who are known to be gay." Putin spoke favorably of artificial intelligence in regard to foreign policy, "Artificial intelligence is the future, not only for Russia, but for all humankind. It comes with colossal opportunities, but also threats that are difficult to predict. Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world."

Asia

See also: India–Russia relations, China–Russia relations, Indonesia–Russia relations, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
Putin with Indian Prime Minister Modi in Moscow
Putin with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in Moscow, 9 July 2024

In 2012, Putin wrote an article in Indian newspaper The Hindu, saying: "The Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia signed in October 2000 became a truly historic step." India remains the largest customer of Russian military equipment, and the two countries share a historically strong strategic and diplomatic relationship. In October 2022, Putin described India and China as "close allies and partners".

Under Putin, Russia has maintained positive relations with the Asian states of SCO and BRICS, which include China, India, Pakistan, and post-Soviet states of Central Asia. In the 21st century, Sino-Russian relations have significantly strengthened bilaterally and economically—the Treaty of Friendship, and the construction of the ESPO oil pipeline and the Power of Siberia gas pipeline formed a "special relationship" between the two great powers.

Putin and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe frequently met each other to discuss the Japan–Russia territorial disputes. Putin also voiced his willingness of constructing a rail bridge between the two countries. Despite numerous meetings, no agreement was signed before Abe's resignation in 2020.

Putin with Chinese president Xi Jinping and other leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan on 16 September 2022

Putin made three visits to Mongolia and has enjoyed good relations with its neighbor. Putin and his Mongolian counterpart signed a permanent treaty on friendship between the two states in September 2019, further enhancing trade and cultural exchanges. Putin became the first Russian or Soviet leader to visit Indonesia in half a century in 2007, resulting in the signing of an arms deal. In another visit, Putin commented on long-standing ties and friendship between Russia and Indonesia. Russia has also boosted relations with Vietnam after 2011, and with Afghanistan in the 2010s, giving military and economic aid. The relations between Russia and the Philippines received a boost in 2016 as Putin forged closer bilateral ties with his Filipino counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte. Putin has good relations with Malaysia and its then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Putin also made the first Russian or Soviet leader to visit North Korea, meeting Kim Jong-il in July 2000, shortly after a visit to South Korea.

Putin criticized violence in Myanmar against Rohingya minorities in 2017. Following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, Russia has pledged to boost ties with the Myanmar military regime.

Post-Soviet states

Further information: Colour revolution, Russia–Ukraine relations, Belarus–Russia relations, Georgia–Russia relations, Kyrgyzstan–Russia relations, Kazakhstan–Russia relations, and Eurasian Economic Union See also: Commonwealth of Independent States
Post-Soviet states in English alphabetical order:
  1. Armenia
  2. Azerbaijan
  3. Belarus
  4. Estonia
  5. Georgia
  6. Kazakhstan
  7. Kyrgyzstan
  8. Latvia
  9. Lithuania
  10. Moldova
  11. Russia
  12. Tajikistan
  13. Turkmenistan
  14. Ukraine
  15. Uzbekistan

Under Putin, the Kremlin has consistently stated that Russia has a sphere of influence and "privileged interests" over other Post-Soviet states, which are referred to as the "near abroad" in Russia. It has also been stated that the post-Soviet states are strategically vital to Russian interests. Some Russia experts have compared this concept to the Monroe Doctrine.

A series of so-called colour revolutions in the post-Soviet states, namely the Rose Revolution in Georgia in 2003, the Orange Revolution in Ukraine in 2004 and the Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan in 2005, led to frictions in the relations of those countries with Russia. In December 2004, Putin criticized the Rose and Orange revolutions, saying: "If you have permanent revolutions you risk plunging the post-Soviet space into endless conflict."

Putin allegedly declared at a NATO-Russia summit in 2008 that if Ukraine joined NATO Russia could contend to annex the Ukrainian East and Crimea. At the summit, he told U.S. president George W. Bush that "Ukraine is not even a state!", while the following year Putin referred to Ukraine as "Little Russia". Following the Revolution of Dignity in March 2014, the Russian Federation annexed Crimea. According to Putin, this was done because "Crimea has always been and remains an inseparable part of Russia".

After the Russian annexation of Crimea, he said that Ukraine includes "regions of Russia's historic south" and "was created on a whim by the Bolsheviks". He went on to declare that the February 2014 ousting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych had been orchestrated by the West as an attempt to weaken Russia. "Our Western partners have crossed a line. They behaved rudely, irresponsibly and unprofessionally", he said, adding that the people who had come to power in Ukraine were "nationalists, neo-Nazis, Russophobes and anti-Semites".

Putin hosted a meeting of the Russian-led military alliance, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), in Moscow on 16 May 2022.

In a July 2014 speech during a Russian-supported armed insurgency in Eastern Ukraine, Putin stated he would use Russia's "entire arsenal of available means" up to "operations under international humanitarian law and the right of self-defence" to protect Russian speakers outside Russia. With the attainment of autocephaly by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in December 2018 and subsequent schism of the Russian Orthodox Church from Constantinople, a number of experts came to the conclusion that Putin's policy of forceful engagement in post-Soviet republics significantly backfired on him, leading to a situation where he "annexed Crimea, but lost Ukraine", and provoked a much more cautious approach to Russia among other post-Soviet countries.

In late August 2014, Putin stated: "People who have their own views on history and the history of our country may argue with me, but it seems to me that the Russian and Ukrainian peoples are practically one people." After making a similar statement, in late December 2015 he stated: "the Ukrainian culture, as well as Ukrainian literature, surely has a source of its own." In July 2021, he published a lengthy article On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians revisiting these themes, and saying the formation of a Ukrainian state hostile to Moscow was "comparable in its consequences to the use of weapons of mass destruction against us"—it was made mandatory reading for military-political training in the Russian Armed Forces.

Ukrainian president Zelenskyy, German chancellor Merkel, French president Macron and Putin met in Paris on 9 December 2019 in the "Normandy Format" aimed at ending the war in Donbas.

In August 2008, Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili attempted to restore control over the breakaway South Ossetia. However, the Georgian military was soon defeated in the resulting 2008 South Ossetia War after regular Russian forces entered South Ossetia and then other parts of Georgia, then also opened a second front in the other Georgian breakaway province of Abkhazia with Abkhazian forces.

Despite existing or past tensions between Russia and most of the post-Soviet states, Putin has followed the policy of Eurasian integration. Putin endorsed the idea of a Eurasian Union in 2011; the concept was proposed by the president of Kazakhstan in 1994. On 18 November 2011, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia signed an agreement setting a target of establishing the Eurasian Union by 2015. The Eurasian Union was established on 1 January 2015.

Under Putin, Russia's relations have improved significantly with Uzbekistan, the second largest post-Soviet republic after Ukraine. This was demonstrated in Putin's visit to Tashkent in May 2000, after lukewarm relations under Yeltsin and Islam Karimov who had long distanced itself from Moscow. In another meeting in 2014, Russia agreed to write off Uzbek debt. A theme of a greater Soviet region, including the former USSR and many of its neighbors or imperial-era states—rather than just post-Soviet Russia—has been consistent in Putin's May Day speeches.

On 22 December 2022, Putin addressed the Security Council in a speech where he did not use the term "Special Military Operation" but instead called the fighting in Ukraine a "war". Anti-Putin activists have called for Putin to be prosecuted for breaking a law passed to stop people calling the Special Military Operation a war. This law carries a penalty of up to 15 years in jail. On 25 December, he openly declared in a TV interview that the goal of the invasion is "to unite the Russian people".

On 14 December 2023, President Putin held a press conference where he indicated that Russian would only negotiate with Ukraine "when we achieve our objectives". He stated that another mobilization wasn't required as "617,000" Russian soldiers were fighting in Ukraine.

During the 2024 Year-End Review, President Putin was asked if there were regrets from the “Special Military Operation”. President Putin said that he regretted not launching it at the same time as the annexation of Crimea and with more “preparation.” Saying "This decision, which was made at the beginning of 2022, should have been made earlier. That's the first thing. Secondly, we should have started preparing, including for the SMO. The events in Crimea were spontaneous. The events of 2022 also began without preparation. But why did we start? Because it was impossible to stand still and endure any longer,"

United States, Western Europe, and NATO

See also: Anti-American sentiment in Russia, Russia–NATO relations, and Russia–United States relations
Putin with Pope John Paul II and Holy See's secretary of state Angelo Sodano on 5 June 2000
Putin with Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi and U.S. president George W. Bush at the NATO-Russia Council meeting in Rome on 28 May 2002

Under Putin, Russia's relationships with NATO and the U.S. have passed through several stages. When he first became president, relations were cautious, but after the 9/11 attacks Putin quickly supported the U.S. in the War on Terror and the opportunity for partnership appeared. According to Stephen F. Cohen, the U.S. "repaid by further expansion of NATO to Russia's borders and by unilateral withdrawal from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty", but others pointed out the applications from new countries willing to join NATO was driven primarily by Russian's behavior in Chechnya, Transnistria, Abkhazia, Yanayev putsch as well as calls to restore USSR in its previous borders by prominent Russian politicians.

From 2003, when Russia strongly opposed the U.S. when it waged the Iraq War, Putin became ever more distant from the West, and relations steadily deteriorated. According to Russia scholar Stephen F. Cohen, the narrative of the mainstream U.S. media, following that of the White House, became anti-Putin. In an interview with Michael Stürmer, Putin said there were three questions which most concerned Russia and Eastern Europe: namely, the status of Kosovo, the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe and American plans to build missile defence sites in Poland and the Czech Republic, and suggested that all three were linked. His view was that concessions by the West on one of the questions might be met with concessions from Russia on another.

One single center of power. One single center of force. One single center of decision making. This is the world of one master, one sovereign. ... Primarily the United States has overstepped its national borders, and in every area.

— Putin criticizing the United States in his Munich Speech, 2007

In a January 2007 interview, Putin said Russia was in favor of a democratic multipolar world and strengthening the systems of international law. In February 2007, Putin criticized what he called the United States' monopolistic dominance in global relations, and "almost uncontained hyper use of force in international relations". He said the result of it is that "no one feels safe! Because no one can feel that international law is like a stone wall that will protect them. Of course such a policy stimulates an arms race." This came to be known as the Munich Speech, and NATO secretary Jaap de Hoop Scheffer called the speech "disappointing and not helpful".

Putin with U.S. president Donald Trump at the summit meeting in Helsinki, Finland, 16 July 2018

The months following Putin's Munich Speech were marked by tension and a surge in rhetoric on both sides of the Atlantic. Both Russian and American officials, however, denied the idea of a new Cold War. Putin publicly opposed plans for the U.S. missile shield in Europe and presented President George W. Bush with a counterproposal on 7 June 2007 which was declined. Russia suspended its participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty on 11 December 2007.

Putin opposed Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008, warning that it would destabilize the whole system of international relations. He described the recognition of Kosovo's independence by several major world powers as "a terrible precedent, which will de facto blow apart the whole system of international relations, developed not over decades, but over centuries", and that "they have not thought through the results of what they are doing. At the end of the day it is a two-ended stick and the second end will come back and hit them in the face." In March 2014, Putin used Kosovo's declaration of independence as a justification for recognizing the independence of Crimea, citing the so-called "Kosovo independence precedent".

After the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. in 2001, Putin had good relations with American president George W. Bush, and many western European leaders. His "cooler" and "more business-like" relationship with German chancellor, Angela Merkel is often attributed to Merkel's upbringing in the former DDR, where Putin was stationed as a KGB agent. He had a very friendly and warm relationship with Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi; the two leaders often described their relationship as a close friendship, continuing to organize bilateral meetings even after Berlusconi's resignation in November 2011. When Berlusconi died in 2023, Putin described him as an "extraordinary man" and a "true friend".

Putin held a meeting in Sochi with German chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline in May 2018.

The NATO-led military intervention in Libya in 2011 prompted a widespread wave of criticism from several world leaders, including Putin, who said that the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 is "defective and flawed", adding: "It allows everything. It resembles medieval calls for crusades."

In late 2013, Russian-American relations deteriorated further when the United States canceled a summit for the first time since 1960 after Putin gave asylum to American Edward Snowden, who had leaked massive amounts of classified information from the NSA. In 2014, Russia was suspended from the G8 group as a result of its annexation of Crimea. Putin gave a speech highly critical of the United States, accusing them of destabilizing world order and trying to "reshape the world" to its own benefit. In June 2015, Putin said that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO.

According to Putin, he and Russia have a particularly good relationship to neighboring country Finland. Picture of Putin handshaking with Sauli Niinistö, the president of Finland, in August 2019.

On 9 November 2016, Putin congratulated Donald Trump on becoming the 45th president of the United States. In December 2016, US intelligence officials (headed by James Clapper) quoted by CBS News stated that Putin approved the email hacking and cyber attacks during the U.S. election, against the Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. A spokesman for Putin denied the reports. Putin has repeatedly accused Hillary Clinton, who served as U.S. secretary of state from 2009 to 2013 of interfering in Russia's internal affairs, and in December 2016, Clinton accused Putin of having a personal grudge against her.

With the election of Trump, Putin's favorability in the U.S. increased. A Gallup poll in February 2017 revealed a positive view of Putin among 22% of Americans, the highest since 2003. Putin has stated that U.S.–Russian relations, already at the lowest level since the end of the Cold War, have continued to deteriorate after Trump took office in January 2017.

On 18 June 2020, The National Interest published a nine-thousand-word essay by Putin, titled "The Real Lessons of the 75th Anniversary of World War II". In the essay, Putin criticizes the Western historical view of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact as the start of World War II, stating that the Munich Agreement was the beginning.

On 21 February 2023, Putin suspended Russia's participation in the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty with the United States. On 25 March, President Putin announced the stationing of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Russia would maintain control of the weapons. President Putin told Russian TV: "There is nothing unusual here either. Firstly, the United States has been doing this for decades. They have long deployed their tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of their allied countries."

United Kingdom

Putin and his wife Lyudmila meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2005

In 2003, relations between Russia and the United Kingdom deteriorated when the United Kingdom granted political asylum to Putin's former patron, oligarch Boris Berezovsky. This deterioration was intensified by allegations that the British were spying and making secret payments to pro-democracy and human rights groups. A survey conducted in the United Kingdom in 2022 found Putin to be among the least popular foreign leaders, with 8% of British respondents holding a positive opinion.

Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko

Main article: Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko

The end of 2006 brought more strained relations in the wake of the death by polonium poisoning in London of former KGB and FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko, who became an MI6 agent in 2003. In 2007, the crisis in relations continued with the expulsion of four Russian envoys over Russia's refusal to extradite former KGB bodyguard Andrei Lugovoi to face charges in the murder. Mirroring the British actions, Russia expelled UK diplomats and took other retaliatory steps.

In 2015, the British Government launched a public inquiry into Litvinenko's death, presided over by Robert Owen, a former British High Court judge. The Owen report, published on 21 January 2016, stated, "The FSB operation to kill Mr. Litvinenko was probably approved by Mr Patrushev and also by President Putin." The report outlined some possible motives for the murder, including Litvinenko's public statements and books about the alleged involvement of the FSB in mass murder, and what was "undoubtedly a personal dimension to the antagonism" between Putin and Litvinenko.

Poisoning of Sergei Skripal

Main article: Poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal

On 4 March 2018, former double agent Sergei Skripal was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury. Ten days later, the British government formally accused the Russian state of attempted murder, a charge which Russia denied. After the UK expelled 23 Russian diplomats (an action which would later be responded to with a Russian expulsion of 23 British diplomats), British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on 16 March that it was "overwhelmingly likely" Putin had personally ordered the poisoning of Skripal. Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the allegation "shocking and unpardonable diplomatic misconduct".

Latin America

See also: Brazil–Russia relations, Russia–Venezuela relations, Cuba–Russia relations, and Argentina–Russia relations
Putin and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on 10 October 2019

Putin and his successor, Medvedev, enjoyed warm relations with Hugo Chávez of Venezuela. Much of this has been through the sale of military equipment; since 2005, Venezuela has purchased more than $4 billion worth of arms from Russia. In September 2008, Russia sent Tupolev Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela to carry out training flights. In November 2008, both countries held a joint naval exercise in the Caribbean. Earlier in 2000, Putin had re-established stronger ties with Fidel Castro's Cuba.

"You express the best masculine qualities", Putin told Jair Bolsonaro in 2020. "You look for solutions in all matters, always putting above all the interests of your people, your country, leaving out your own personal issues." Political scientist Oliver Stuenkel noted, "Among Brazil's right-wing populists, Putin is seen as someone who is anti-woke, and that is seen as something that is definitely appealing to Bolsonaro. He is a strongman, and that is very inspiring to Bolsonaro. He would like to be someone who concentrates as much power."

Australia and the South Pacific

See also: Australia–Russia relations

In September 2007, Putin visited Indonesia, the first Russian leader to do so in over 50 years. In the same month, Putin also attended the APEC meeting held in Sydney, Australia, where he met with Prime Minister John Howard and signed a uranium trade deal for Australia to sell uranium to Russia. This was the first visit by a Russian president to Australia. Putin again visited Australia for 2014 G20 Brisbane summit. The Abbott government denounced Putin's use of military force in Ukraine in 2014 as "bullying" and "utterly unacceptable".

Amid calls to ban Putin from attending the 2014 G20 Summit, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he would "shirtfront" (challenge) the Russian leader over the shooting down of MH17 by Russian-backed rebels, which had killed 38 Australians. Putin denied responsibility for the killings.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said the invasion was "unprovoked, unjust and illegal" and labeled Putin a "thug". New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern denounced Putin as a "bully". Fijian prime minister Frank Bainimarama tweeted, "Fiji and our fellow Pacific Island Countries have united as nations of peace-loving people to condemn the conflict in Ukraine", while the Solomon Islands UN ambassador called the invasion a "violation of the rule of law".

Middle East and Africa

See also: Israel–Russia relations, Iran–Russia relations, and Russia–South Africa relations
Putin with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, September 2018

On 16 October 2007, Putin visited Iran to participate in the Second Caspian Summit in Tehran, where he met with Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. This was the first visit of a Soviet or Russian leader to Iran since Joseph Stalin's participation in the Tehran Conference in 1943, and marked a significant event in Iran–Russia relations. At a press conference after the summit Putin said that "all our (Caspian) states have the right to develop their peaceful nuclear programmes without any restrictions". Putin was quoted as describing Iran as a "partner", although he expressed concerns over the Iranian nuclear programme.

In April 2008, Putin became the first Russian president to visit Libya. Putin condemned the 2011 foreign military intervention in Libya, referring to the UN resolution as "defective and flawed", and added, "It allows everything. It resembles medieval calls for crusades." Upon the death of Muammar Gaddafi, Putin called it as "planned murder" by the US, saying: "They showed to the whole world how he (Gaddafi) was killed", and "There was blood all over. Is that what they call a democracy?"

Putin with African leaders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Sochi, Russia, on 24 October 2019

From 2000 to 2010, Russia sold around $1.5 billion worth of arms to Syria, making Damascus Russia's seventh-largest client. During the Syrian civil war, Russia threatened to veto any sanctions against the Syrian government, and continued to supply arms to its regime.

Putin opposed any foreign intervention in the Syrian civil war. In June 2012, in Paris, he rejected the statement of French president François Hollande who called on Bashar al-Assad to step down. Putin echoed Assad's argument that anti-regime militants were responsible for much of the bloodshed. He also talked about previous NATO interventions and their results, and asked, "What is happening in Libya, in Iraq? Did they become safer? Where are they heading? Nobody has an answer."

Putin met with the president of the African Union, Macky Sall, to discuss grain deliveries from Russia and Ukraine to Africa on 3 June 2022. The war in Ukraine contributed to the 2022–2023 food crises.

On 11 September 2013, The New York Times published an op-ed by Putin urging caution against US intervention in Syria and criticizing American exceptionalism. Putin subsequently helped to arrange for the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons. In 2015, he took a stronger pro-Assad stance and mobilized military support for the regime. Some analysts have summarized Putin as being allied with Shiites and Alawites in the Middle East.

In 2017, Putin dispatched Russian PMCs to back the Touadéra regime in the Central African Republic Civil War, gaining a permanent military presence in return. The first Russia-Africa Summit was held in October 2019 in Sochi, Russia, co-hosted by Putin and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The meeting was attended by 43 heads of state and government from African countries.

In October 2019, Putin visited the United Arab Emirates, where six agreements were struck with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. One of them included shared investments between Russian sovereign wealth fund and the Emirati investment fund Mubadala. The two nations signed deals worth over $1.3bn, in energy, health and advance technology sectors. On 22 October 2021, Putin highlighted the "unique bond" between Russia and Israel during a meeting with Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett.

Public image

Main article: Public image of Vladimir Putin
Putin opens the Wall of Grief, a monument to victims of Stalinist repression, October 2017.

Polls and rankings

The director of the Levada Center stated in 2015 that drawing conclusions from Russian poll results or comparing them to polls in democratic states was irrelevant, as there is no real political competition in Russia, where, unlike in democratic states, Russian voters are not offered any credible alternatives and public opinion is primarily formed by state-controlled media, which promotes those in power and discredits alternative candidates.

Putin with local people in the Siberian republic of Tuva in 2007

In a June 2007 public opinion survey, Putin's approval rating was 81%, the second-highest of any leader in the world that year. In January 2013, at the time of the 2011–2013 Russian protests, Putin's rating fell to 62%, the lowest since 2000. After EU and U.S. sanctions against Russian officials as a result of the crisis in Ukraine, Putin's approval rating reached 87% in August 2014. In February 2015, based on domestic polling, Putin was ranked the world's most popular politician. In June 2015, Putin's approval rating climbed to 89%, an all-time high. Observers saw Putin's high approval ratings in 2010s as a consequence of improvements in living standards, and Russia's reassertion on the world scene during his presidency. Putin was also highly popular in some non-Western countries, such as Vietnam, where his approval rating was 89% in 2017.

Despite high approval for Putin, public confidence in the Russian economy was low, dropping to levels in 2016 that rivaled the lows in 2009 at the height of the global economic crisis. Putin's performance in reining in corruption is unpopular among Russians. Newsweek reported in 2017 that a poll "indicated that 67% held Putin personally responsible for high-level corruption". Corruption is a significant problem in Russia.

Vladimir Putin approval 1999–2020 (Levada, 2020)
Vladimir Putin's public approval 1999–2020 (Levada, 2020)

In October 2018, two-thirds of Russians surveyed agreed that "Putin bears full responsibility for the problems of the country", which has been attributed to a decline in a popular belief in "good tsar and bad boyars", a traditional attitude towards justifying failures at the top of the ruling hierarchy in Russia. In January 2019, the percentage of Russians trusting Putin hit a then-historic low—33%. In April 2019 Gallup poll showed a record number of Russians, 20%, willing to permanently emigrate from Russia. The decline was even larger in the 17–25 age group, "who find themselves largely disconnected from the country's aging leadership, nostalgic Soviet rhetoric and nepotistic agenda". Putin's approval rating among young Russians was 32% in January 2019. The percentage willing to emigrate permanently in this group was 41%. 60% had favorable views of the US (three times more than in the 55+ age group). Decline in support for the president and government is visible in other polls, such as a rapidly growing readiness to protest against poor living conditions.

In May 2020, amid the COVID crisis, Putin's approval rating was 68%, when respondents were presented a list of names (closed question), and 27% when respondents were expected to name politicians they trust (open question). This has been attributed to continued post-Crimea economic stagnation but also an apathetic response to the pandemic crisis in Russia. Polls conducted in November 2021 after the failure of a Russian COVID-19 vaccination campaign indicated distrust of Putin was a major contributing factor for vaccine hesitancy, with regional polls indicating numbers as low as 20–30% in the Volga Federal District.

In May 2021, 33% indicated Putin in response to "who would you vote for this weekend?" among Moscow respondents and 40% outside Moscow. A survey released in October 2021 found 53% of respondents saying they trusted Putin.

Observers see a generational struggle among Russians over perception of Putin's rule, with younger Russians more probably to be against Putin and older Russians more likely to accept the narrative presented by state-controlled media in Russia. Putin's support among Russians aged 18–24 was only 20% in December 2020.

The Levada Center survey showed that 58% of surveyed Russians supported the 2017 Russian protests against high-level corruption.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, state-controlled TV, where most Russians get their news, presented the invasion as a "special military operation" and liberation mission, in line with the government's narrative. The Russian censorship apparatus Roskomnadzor ordered the country's media to employ information only from state sources or face fines and blocks. The Russian media was banned from using the words "war", "invasion" or "aggression" to describe the invasion, with media outlets being blocked as a result.

In late February 2022, a survey conducted by the independent research group Russian Field found that 59% of respondents supported the "special military operation" in Ukraine. According to the poll, in the group of 18-to-24-year-olds, only 29% supported the "special military operation". In late February and mid-March 2022 two polls surveyed Russians' sentiments about the "special military operation" in Ukraine. The results were obtained by Radio Liberty. 71% of Russians polled said that they supported the "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Putin speaking at the "Russia-Africa" parliamentary conference in Moscow on 20 March 2023. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, two-thirds of the world's population live in countries that are neutral or leaning towards Russia.

When asked how they were affected by the actions of Putin, a third said they strongly believed Putin was working in their interests. Another 26% said he was working in their interests to some extent. In general, most Russians believe that it would be better if Putin remained president for as long as possible. Similarly, a survey conducted in early March found 58% of Russian respondents approved of the operation.

In March 2022, 97% of Ukrainians said they had an unfavorable view of Putin, and 98% of Ukrainians—including 82% of ethnic Russians living in Ukraine—said they did not believe any part of Ukraine was rightfully part of Russia. A poll published on 30 March in Russia saw Putin's approval rating jump, from 71% in February, to 83%. However, experts warned that the figures may not accurately reflect the public mood, as the public tends to rally around leaders during war and some may be hiding their true opinions, especially with the Russian 2022 war censorship laws prohibiting dissemination of "fake information" about the military. Many respondents do not want to answer pollsters' questions for fear of negative consequences. When researchers commissioned a survey on Russians' attitudes to the war, 29,400 out of 31,000 refused to answer. The Levada Center's director, stated that early feelings of "shock and confusion" was being replaced with the belief that Russia was being besieged and that Russians must rally around their leader. The Kremlin's analysis concluded that public support for the war was broad but not deep, and that most Russians would accept anything Putin labeled a victory. In September 2023, the head of the VTsIOM state pollster Valery Fyodorov said in an interview that only 10–15% of Russians actively supported the war, and that "most Russians are not demanding the conquest of Kyiv or Odesa".

A poll by the independent organization Levada, which was conducted on 22–28 June 2023, showed that 42% of respondents would vote for Putin in the 2024 presidential election. A public opinion poll by the state-owned institution VCIOM, which was conducted in November 2023, found that 37.3% of respondents would vote for Putin. According to a VCIOM poll conducted in early March 2024, 56.2% of respondents would vote for Putin.

Cult of personality

Main article: Public image of Vladimir Putin See also: List of cults of personality
Putin driving a Formula One car, 2010 (video)

Putin has cultivated a cult of personality for himself with an outdoorsy, sporty, tough guy public image, demonstrating his physical prowess and taking part in unusual or dangerous acts, such as extreme sports and interaction with wild animals, part of a public relations approach that, according to Wired, "deliberately cultivates the macho, take-charge superhero image." In 2007, the tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda published a huge photograph of a shirtless Putin vacationing in the Siberian mountains under the headline "Be Like Putin".

Numerous Kremlinologists have accused Putin of seeking to create a cult of personality around himself, an accusation that the Kremlin has denied. Some of Putin's activities have been criticised for being staged; outside of Russia, his macho image has been the subject of parody. Putin's height has been estimated by Kremlin insiders to be between 155 and 165 centimetres (5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 5 inches) tall but is usually given at 170 centimetres (5 feet 7 inches).

There are many songs about Putin, and Putin's name and image are widely used in advertisement and product branding. Among the Putin-branded products are Putinka vodka, the PuTin brand of canned food, the Gorbusha Putina caviar, and a collection of T-shirts with his image.

Public recognition in the West

In 2007, he was the Time Person of the Year. In 2015, he was No. 1 on the Time's Most Influential People List. Forbes ranked him the World's Most Powerful Individual every year from 2013 to 2016. He was ranked the second most powerful individual by Forbes in 2018.

In Germany, the word "Putinversteher" (female form "Putinversteherin") is a neologism and a political buzzword (Putin + verstehen), which literally translates "Putin understander", i.e., "one who understands Putin". It is a pejorative reference to politicians and pundits who express empathy to Putin and may also be translated as "Putin-empathizer".

Putinisms

Putin has produced many aphorisms and catch-phrases known as putinisms. Many of them were first made during his annual Q&A conferences, where Putin answered questions from journalists and other people in the studio, as well as from Russians throughout the country, who either phoned in or spoke from studios and outdoor sites across Russia. Putin is known for his often tough and sharp language, often alluding to Russian jokes and folk sayings. Putin sometimes uses Russian criminal jargon (known as "fenya" in Russian), albeit not always correctly.

Assessments

Z symbol on a billboard reads Russian: За Путина (lit. 'For Putin'), 24 September 2022.

Assessments of Putin's character as a leader have evolved during his long presidency. His shifting of Russia towards autocracy and weakening of the system of representative government advocated by Boris Yeltsin has met with criticism. Russian dissidents and western leaders now frequently characterise him as a "dictator". Others have offered favourable assessments of his impact on Russia.

Otto von Habsburg, the last crown prince of Austria-Hungary and former Member of the European Parliament, was an early critic of Putin. In a newspaper interview in 2002 and in two speeches in 2003 and 2005, he warned of Putin as an "international threat", that he was "cruel and oppressive", and a "stone cold technocrat".

Putin was described in 2015 as a "dictator" by political opponent Garry Kasparov, and as the "Tsar of corruption" in 2016 by opposition activist and blogger Alexei Navalny. He was described as a "bully" and "arrogant" by former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton, and as "self-centered" by the Dalai Lama. In 2015, opposition politician Boris Nemtsov said that Putin was turning Russia into a "raw materials colony" of China.

Former U.S. secretary of state Henry Kissinger wrote in 2014 that the West has demonized Putin. Egon Krenz, former leader of East Germany, said the Cold War never ended, adding: "After weak presidents like Gorbachev and Yeltsin, it is a great fortune for Russia that it has Putin."

Many Russians credit Putin for reviving Russia's fortunes. Former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev, while acknowledging the flawed democratic procedures and restrictions on media freedom during the Putin presidency, said that Putin had pulled Russia out of chaos at the end of the Yeltsin years, and that Russians "must remember that Putin saved Russia from the beginning of a collapse". Chechen Republic head and Putin supporter, Ramzan Kadyrov, stated prior to 2011 that Putin saved both the Chechen people and Russia.

Russia has suffered democratic backsliding during Putin's tenure. Freedom House has listed Russia as being "not free" since 2005. Experts do not generally consider Russia to be a democracy, citing purges and jailing of political opponents, curtailed press freedom, and the lack of free and fair elections. In 2004, Freedom House warned that Russia's "retreat from freedom marks a low point not registered since 1989, when the country was part of the Soviet Union".

The Economist Intelligence Unit has rated Russia as "authoritarian" since 2011, whereas it had previously been considered a "hybrid regime" (with "some form of democratic government" in place). According to political scientist Larry Diamond, writing in 2015, "no serious scholar would consider Russia today a democracy."

Following the jailing of the anti-corruption blogger and activist Alexei Navalny in 2018, Forbes wrote: "Putin's actions are those of a dictator... As a leader with failing public support, he can only remain in power by using force and repression that gets worse by the day." In November 2021, The Economist also noted that Putin had "shifted from autocracy to dictatorship".

In February 2015, former U.S. ambassador to Germany John Kornblum wrote in the Wall Street Journal that:

Western nations must start the turnaround by emphatically refuting one of Mr. Putin's favorite claims: that the West abrogated the promise of democratic partnership with Russia in the 1990 Paris Charter, a document produced by a summit that included European governments, the U.S. and the Soviet Union, convened as Communism crumbled across Eastern Europe... The U.S. and its allies didn't rush in after 1990 to exploit a proud but collapsing Soviet Union – a tale that Mr. Putin now spins. I took part in nearly every major negotiation of that era. Never was the idea of humbling Russia considered even for a moment. The Russian leaders we encountered were not angry Prussian-style Junkers who railed against a strategic stab in the back. Many if not all viewed the fall of the Soviet Union as liberation rather than defeat... Contrary to Mr. Putin's fictions about NATO's illegal enlargement, the West has honored the agreements worked out with Russia two decades ago.

After the 2022 invasion of Ukraine

Following mounting civilian casualties during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, U.S. president Joe Biden called Putin a war criminal and "murderous dictator". In the 2022 State of the Union Address, Biden said that Putin had "badly miscalculated". The Ukrainian envoy to the United Nations, Sergiy Kyslytsya likened Putin to Adolf Hitler of Nazi Germany. Latvian prime minister Krisjanis Karins also likened the Russian leader to Hitler, saying he was "a deluded autocrat creating misery for millions" and that "Putin is fighting against democracy (...) If he can attack Ukraine, theoretically it could be any other European country."

Lithuania's foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said, "The battle for Ukraine is a battle for Europe. If Putin is not stopped there, he will go further." President Emmanuel Macron of France said Putin was "deluding himself". French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian denounced him as "a cynic and a dictator." UK prime minister Boris Johnson also labelled Putin a "dictator" who had authorised "a tidal wave of violence against a fellow Slavic people". Some authors, such as Michael Hirsh, described Putin as a "messianic" Russian nationalist and Eurasianist.

Electoral history

Main article: Electoral history of Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin has been nominated and elected as President of Russia all five times since 2000, typically under an independent banner. In the most recent 2024 Russian presidential election, Putin achieved 88% of the popular vote. There were reports of irregularities at this election, including ballot stuffing and coercion. Russian authorities claimed that in occupied areas of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, Putin won 88.12% and 92.83% of votes. In Chechnya, Putin won 98.99% of the vote.

Personal life

Family

Main article: Family of Vladimir Putin
Putin and Lyudmila Putina during their wedding on 28 July 1983

On 28 July 1983, Putin married Lyudmila Shkrebneva, and they lived together in East Germany from 1985 to 1990. They have two daughters, Mariya Putina, born on 28 April 1985 in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), and Yekaterina Putina, born on 31 August 1986 in Dresden, East Germany (now Germany).

An investigation by Proekt published in November 2020 alleged that Putin has another daughter, Elizaveta, also known as Luiza Rozova, (born in March 2003), with Svetlana Krivonogikh. In April 2008, the Moskovsky Korrespondent reported that Putin had divorced Lyudmila and was engaged to marry Olympic gold medalist Alina Kabaeva, a former rhythmic gymnast and Russian politician. The story was denied, and the newspaper was shut down shortly thereafter. Putin and Lyudmila continued to make public appearances together as spouses, while the status of his relationship with Kabaeva became a topic of speculation.

On 6 June 2013, Putin and Lyudmila announced that their marriage was over; on 1 April 2014, the Kremlin confirmed that the divorce had been finalised. Kabaeva reportedly gave birth to a daughter by Putin in 2015; this report was denied. Kabaeva reportedly gave birth to twin sons by Putin in 2019. However, in 2022, Swiss media, citing the couple's Swiss gynecologist, wrote that on both occasions Kabaeva gave birth to a boy.

Putin has two grandsons, born in 2012 and 2017, through Maria. He reportedly also has a granddaughter, born in 2017, through Katerina. His cousin, Igor Putin, was a director at Moscow-based Master Bank and was accused in a number of money-laundering scandals.

Wealth

See also: Panama Papers and Pandora papers

Official figures released during the legislative election of 2007 put Putin's wealth at approximately 3.7 million rubles (US$280,000) in bank accounts, a private 77.4-square-meter (833 sq ft) apartment in Saint Petersburg, and miscellaneous other assets. Putin's reported 2006 income totaled 2 million rubles (approximately $152,000). In 2012, Putin reported an income of 3.6 million rubles ($270,000). Putin has been photographed wearing a number of expensive wristwatches, collectively valued at $700,000, nearly six times his annual salary. Putin has been known on occasion to give watches valued at thousands of dollars as gifts, for example a watch identified as a Blancpain to a Siberian boy he met while on vacation in 2009, and another similar watch to a factory worker the same year.

Putin's close associate Arkady Rotenberg is mentioned in the Panama Papers, pictured 2018.

According to Russian opposition politicians and journalists, Putin secretly possesses a multi-billion-dollar fortune via successive ownership of stakes in a number of Russian companies. According to one editorial in The Washington Post, "Putin might not technically own these 43 aircraft, but, as the sole political power in Russia, he can act like they're his." An RIA Novosti journalist argued that " intelligence agencies ... could not find anything". These contradictory claims were analyzed by Polygraph.info, which looked at a number of reports by Western (Anders Åslund estimate of $100–160 billion) and Russian (Stanislav Belkovsky estimated of $40 billion) analysts, CIA (estimate of $40 billion in 2007) as well as counterarguments of Russian media. Polygraph concluded:

There is uncertainty on the precise sum of Putin's wealth, and the assessment by the Director of U.S. National Intelligence apparently is not yet complete. However, with the pile of evidence and documents in the Panama Papers and in the hands of independent investigators such as those cited by Dawisha, Polygraph.info finds that Danilov's claim that Western intelligence agencies have not been able to find evidence of Putin's wealth to be misleading

— Polygraph.info, "Are 'Putin's Billions' a Myth?"

In April 2016, 11 million documents belonging to Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca were leaked to the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and the Washington-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. The name of Putin does not appear in any of the records, and Putin denied his involvement with the company. However, various media have reported on three of Putin's associates on the list. According to the Panama Papers leak, close trusted associates of Putin own offshore companies worth US$2 billion in total. The German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung regards the possibility of Putin's family profiting from this money as plausible.

According to the paper, the US$2 billion had been "secretly shuffled through banks and shadow companies linked to Putin's associates", such as construction billionaires Arkady and Boris Rotenberg, and Bank Rossiya, previously identified by the U.S. State Department as being treated by Putin as his personal bank account, had been central in facilitating this. It concludes that "Putin has shown he is willing to take aggressive steps to maintain secrecy and protect communal assets".

A significant proportion of the money trail leads to Putin's best friend Sergei Roldugin. Although a musician, and in his own words, not a businessman, it appears he has accumulated assets valued at $100m, and possibly more. It has been suggested he was picked for the role because of his low profile. There have been speculations that Putin, in fact, owns the funds, and Roldugin just acted as a proxy. Garry Kasparov said that " controls enough money, probably more than any other individual in the history of human race".

Residences

Official government residences

Putin receives Barack Obama at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, 2009.

As president and prime minister, Putin has lived in numerous official residences throughout the country. These residences include: the Moscow Kremlin, Novo-Ogaryovo in Moscow Oblast, Gorki-9 near Moscow, Bocharov Ruchey in Sochi, Dolgiye Borody (residence) in Novgorod Oblast, and Riviera in Sochi. In August 2012, critics of Putin listed the ownership of 20 villas and palaces, nine of which were built during Putin's 12 years in power.

Personal residences

Soon after Putin returned from his KGB service in Dresden, East Germany, he built a dacha in Solovyovka on the eastern shore of Lake Komsomolskoye on the Karelian Isthmus in Priozersky District of Leningrad Oblast, near St. Petersburg. After the dacha burned down in 1996, Putin built a new one identical to the original and was joined by a group of seven friends who built dachas nearby. In 1996, the group formally registered their fraternity as a co-operative society, calling it Ozero ("Lake") and turning it into a gated community.

A massive Italianate-style mansion costing an alleged US$1 billion and dubbed "Putin's Palace" is under construction near the Black Sea village of Praskoveevka. In 2012, Sergei Kolesnikov, a former business associate of Putin's, told the BBC's Newsnight programme that he had been ordered by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin to oversee the building of the palace. He also said that the mansion, built on government land and sporting three helipads, plus a private road paid for from state funds and guarded by officials wearing uniforms of the official Kremlin guard service, have been built for Putin's private use.

On 19 January 2021, two days after Alexei Navalny was detained by Russian authorities upon his return to Russia, a video investigation by him and the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) was published accusing Putin of using fraudulently obtained funds to build the estate for himself in what he called "the world's biggest bribe". In the investigation, Navalny said that the estate is 39 times the size of Monaco and cost over 100 billion rubles ($1.35 billion) to construct. It also showed aerial footage of the estate via a drone and a detailed floorplan of the palace that Navalny said was given by a contractor, which he compared to photographs from inside the palace that were leaked onto the Internet in 2011. He also detailed an elaborate corruption scheme allegedly involving Putin's inner circle that allowed Putin to hide billions of dollars to build the estate. Since the prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Putin prefers to travel in an armored train to flying.

Pets

Main article: Pets of Vladimir Putin
Putin's pet, named Verni, was a birthday gift from Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, president of Turkmenistan, during a meeting in Sochi in October 2017.

Putin has received five dogs from various nation leaders: Konni, Buffy, Yume, Verni and Pasha. Konni died in 2014. When Putin first became president, the family had two poodles, Tosya and Rodeo. They reportedly stayed with his ex-wife Lyudmila after their divorce.

Religion

Putin and wife Lyudmila in New York at a service for victims of the September 11 attacks, 16 November 2001

Putin is Russian Orthodox. His mother was a devoted Christian believer who attended the Russian Orthodox Church, while his father was an atheist. Although his mother kept no icons at home, she attended church regularly, despite government persecution of her religion at that time. His mother secretly baptized him as a baby, and she regularly took him to services.

According to Putin, his religious awakening began after a serious car crash involving his wife in 1993, and a life-threatening fire that burned down their dacha in August 1996. Shortly before an official visit to Israel, Putin's mother gave him his baptismal cross, telling him to get it blessed. Putin states, "I did as she said and then put the cross around my neck. I have never taken it off since."

When asked in 2007 whether he believes in God, he responded: "There are things I believe, which should not in my position, at least, be shared with the public at large for everybody's consumption because that would look like self-advertising or a political striptease." Putin's rumoured confessor is Russian Orthodox bishop Tikhon Shevkunov. The sincerity of his Christianity has been rejected by his former advisor Sergei Pugachev.

Sports

Putin watches football and supports FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. He also displays an interest in ice hockey and bandy, and played in a star-studded hockey game on his 63rd birthday.

Putin practicing judo in Tokyo, Japan, in September 2000

Putin has been practicing judo since he was 11, before switching to sambo at the age of fourteen. He won competitions in both sports in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg). He was awarded eighth dan of the black belt in 2012, becoming the first Russian to achieve the status. He was rewarded an eighth-degree karate black belt in 2014.

He co-authored a book entitled Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin in Russian (2000), and Judo: History, Theory, Practice in English (2004). Benjamin Wittes, a black belt in taekwondo and aikido and editor of Lawfare, has disputed Putin's martial arts skills, stating that there is no video evidence of Putin displaying any real noteworthy judo skills.

In March 2022, Putin was removed from all positions in the International Judo Federation (IJF) due to the Russian war in Ukraine.

Health

See also: Claims of Vladimir Putin's incapacity and death

In July 2022, the director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, William Burns, stated they had no evidence to suggest Putin was unstable or in bad health. The statement was made because of increasing unconfirmed media speculation about Putin's health. Burns had previously been U.S. ambassador to Russia, and had personally observed Putin for over two decades, including a personal meeting in November 2021. A Kremlin spokesperson also dismissed rumours of Putin's bad health.

The Russian political magazine Sobesednik (Russian: Собеседник) alleged in 2018 that Putin had a sensory room installed in his private residence in the Novgorod Oblast. The White House, as well as Western generals, politicians, and political analysts, have questioned Putin's mental health after two years of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April 2022, tabloid newspaper The Sun reported that based on video footage Putin may have Parkinson's disease. This speculation, which has not been supported by medical professionals, has spread in part due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which many saw as an irrational act. The Kremlin rejected the possibility of Parkinson's along with outside medical professionals, who stress that it is impossible to diagnose the condition based on video clips alone.

Awards and honours

Main article: List of awards and honours received by Vladimir Putin

At least fifteen countries have awarded Vladimir Putin civilian honors since 2001. Putin has been awarded honorary doctorates and other awards from organizations across the world, but some of these were revoked in 2022 in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Explanatory notes

  1. The Putins officially announced their separation in 2013 and the Kremlin confirmed the divorce had been finalized in 2014; however, it has been alleged that Putin and Lyudmila divorced in 2008.
  2. Putin has two daughters with his ex-wife Lyudmila. He is also alleged to have a third daughter, with Svetlana Krivonogikh, and a fourth daughter and twin sons, or just two sons, with Alina Kabaeva, although these reports have not been officially confirmed.
  3. In this name that follows Eastern Slavic naming customs, the patronymic is Vladimirovich and the family name is Putin.
  4. /ˈpuːtɪn/ POO-tin; Russian: Владимир Владимирович Путин, pronounced [vlɐˈdʲimʲɪr vlɐˈdʲimʲɪrəvʲɪtɕ ˈputʲɪn] .
  5. Putin, who took office as prime minister on 9 August 1999, concurrently served as acting president of Russia from 31 December 1999 to 7 May 2000, when he took office as president.
  6. Some argued that Putin was the leader of Russia between 2008 and 2012; see Medvedev–Putin tandemocracy.
  7. Russian: хозяйственное право, romanized: khozyaystvennoye pravo.
  8. Russian: Учимся дзюдо с Владимиром Путиным

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  807. "ФБК опубликовал огромное расследование о 'дворце Путина' в Геленджике. Вот главное из двухчасового фильма о строительстве ценой в 100 миллиардов". Meduza.io. 19 January 2021. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  808. "ФБК опубликовал расследование о 'дворце Путина' размером с 39 княжеств Монако". tvrain.ru. 19 January 2021. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  809. "That extra-heavy load Instead of flying, Vladimir Putin prefers to travel around Russia by armored train (allegedly for fear of Ukrainian attack)". Meduza. 13 February 2023. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  810. "Сколько собак у Путина?" [How many dogs does Putin have?]. aif.ru (in Russian). 23 October 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  811. ^ Timothy J. Colton; Michael MacFaul (2003). Popular Choice and Managed Democracy: the Russian elections of 1999 and 2000. Washington, DC: The Brookings Institution. p. . ISBN 978-0-8157-1535-1.
  812. Putin Q&A: Full Transcript Time. Retrieved 22 March 2008.
  813. "Putin and the monk". FT Magazine. 25 January 2013. Archived from the original on 10 December 2022.
  814. "The enduring grip of the men – and mindset – of the KGB". The Economist. 25 April 2020.
  815. "Putin to talk pipeline, attend football game". B92. 22 March 2011. Archived from the original on 26 March 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2011.
  816. "Bandy, how little known sport is winning converts". The Local. 29 February 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  817. "Vladimir Putin Scores Seven Goals in Epic Hockey Game". Rolling Stone. 9 October 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  818. "Kremlin Biography of President Vladimir Putin". putin.kremlin.ru. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  819. "NPR News: Vladimir Putin: Transcript of Robert Siegel Interview". legacy.npr.org. 15 November 2001. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  820. "Putin awarded eighth dan by international body". Reuters. 10 October 2012. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  821. "Putin becomes eighth-degree karate black belt". CNN. 21 November 2014.
  822. Putin, Vladimir; Vasily Shestakov; Alexey Levitsky (2004). Judo: History, Theory, Practice. Blue Snake Books. ISBN 978-1-55643-445-7.
  823. Hawkins, Derek (18 July 2017). "Is Vladimir Putin a judo fraud?". The Washington Post. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  824. "I'll Fight Putin Any Time, Any Place He Can't Have Me Arrested". Lawfare. 21 October 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  825. "International Judo Federation strips titles from Vladimir Putin and Russian oligarch". CBS News. 7 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  826. Corera, Gordon; Wright, George (21 July 2022). "Ukraine war: CIA chief says no intelligence that Putin is in bad health". BBC News. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  827. "Putin has a special 'sensory room' at his presidential residence to relax and stave off depression". Meduza. 6 September 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  828. "White House, senators and generals question Putin's mental health after two years of pandemic isolation". The Independent. 28 February 2022.
  829. "Putin's obsession with Ukraine has made analysts question his rationality". CNBC. 28 February 2022.
  830. "Putin's War Looks Increasingly Insane". New York. 4 March 2022.
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  832. Sabin, Lamiat (22 April 2022). "Video of Vladimir Putin gripping table in meeting sparks concerns about his health". The Independent. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  833. ^ Roth, Clare (28 March 2022). "Putin and Parkinson's: What do experts say?". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  834. "Vladimir Putin is being stripped of his honorary sporting titles amid Ukraine invasion". CNN. 1 March 2022.

Sources

See also: Bibliography of the post-Stalinist Soviet Union

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