Vladimir Putin is the president of Russia, known for his long-term and significant influence on global politics.

Family and Early Life

Vladimir Putin was born on October 7, 1952 in Leningrad. (now St. Petersburg), Russia The youngest of three children of Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin and Maria Ivanovna Putin, his father served as part of the military's submarine fleet. soviet ship Later joined the NKVD (precursor to the KGB) during World War II. His mother, Maria, worked in a factory to support the family.
Before Vladimir was born Putin had suffered a huge personal loss. Two of his older brothers died young. One died in infancy, and the other, Viktor, during the tragic siege of Leningrad. This was a time of severe scarcity and loss during World War II. This history of hardship and rehabilitation is the environment in which Vladimir Putin lived, was born and grew up.

Education

Vladimir's educational path Putin started at school number 193 in Leningrad, followed by admission to St. Petersburg Secondary School 281, where he attended an intensive German language immersion program and became fluent in German. A skill he would later use in his career… He received higher education at Leningrad State University. (now St. Petersburg State University), where he studied law. He received his law degree in 1975 after completing his thesis on He is described as "the most popular international principle in international law." His focus on international law and business will inform his future work in intelligence and government. During his university studies Putin joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) and maintained his membership until the party was dissolved in 1991. His time at Leningrad State University also brought him into contact with influential figures, who will play an important role in his later years and political career.

Professional Career

After graduating in 1975, Vladimir Putin began a 16-year career with the KGB (State Security Committee), the main security intelligence agency in the Soviet Union, where he specialized in counterintelligence and espionage.
From 1985 to 1990, Putin lived in Dresden. East Germany where he worked in recruitment agencies at the highest levels during the Cold War and gathered intelligence. This international experience helped him hone his language skills. and deepen your understanding of geopolitics. He returned to Leningrad shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. and ended his career in the KGB.

In 1991, Putin left the KGB and turned to politics in St. Petersburg. He serves as a consultant on international affairs. and later vice chancellor under Anatoly Sobchak, one of his university professors and a leading political figure. Putin has a reputation for efficiency and loyalty. This helped him get his job.

In 1996, Putin moved to Moscow and joined the administration of President Boris Yeltsin, where his expertise and credibility quickly moved him through the ranks These included roles as the Federal Security Service (FSB), heir to the KGB and secretary-general of the Security Council. In 1999, Yeltsin appointed him president. After his surprise resignation on December 31, Yeltsin became acting president later that year. Putin’s steadfast leadership during the insurgency has helped him maintain his position. And in March 2000, he was elected president.

Struggles and Political Ascendancy

Vladimir’s rise to power comes at a difficult time for Putin’s Russia,and for many Russians the economic turmoil and regional conflicts that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union and the widespread political turmoil and weakening of central government power in the 1990s disappointed.

As acting president and later elected president in 2000, Putin made national stability a top priority. His administration implemented sweeping reforms aimed at restoring economic growth. Among the major drivers, in part, of the increase in oil prices are tax reforms. These steps to repay foreign debt and attract foreign investment have helped revive the Russian economy and reduce the turbulence of the last decade.
To bolster good governance, Putin has focused on centralizing central government power. Take advantage of the power of regional leaders and show that you control the country’s vast resources. He introduced changes to centralize decision-making. This includes the creation of a government commission headed by a presidential representative.
On the international stage, Putin seeks to restore Russia’s global influence; this frames his agenda of national pride and power. He took a strong stance on regional conflicts such as the Second Chechen War. which he justified as necessary to prevent crime and to preserve territorial unity. These efforts resonated with many Russians and impressed him.
But he was also heavily criticized within his office. Many observers point to centralized power. However, Putin's ability to stand firm and assert Russia's interests around the world is an important indicator of his leadership, as evidenced by the loss of control over press freedom through political opposition to authoritarianism.

Second Chechen War (1999–2000)

As Prime Minister, Putin declared independence in 1999 after the First Chechen War in the North Caucasus (1994–1996) and launched a military campaign to retake control of Chechnya. The campaign was brutal and resulted in heavy civilian casualties. In 2000, Chechnya was under Russian control. returned to Russia again This victory helped strengthen Putin's domestic power. Meanwhile, he is seen as a strong leader who can restore order in a fractious Russia. Russo-Georgian War (2008) In 2008, tensions between Russia and Georgia increased in the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Declaring independence from Georgia in 1990, Russia launched a brief military intervention. to support separatist forces in both regions The war ended in a ceasefire brokered by the French president of the European Union. Russia recognizes South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent republics. Although the move was widely condemned internationally, The two regions have a lot of arguments... Annexation of Crimea (2014) In 2014, Russia's involvement in Ukraine reached a crucial moment with the annexation of Crimea. The annexation took place through a controversial referendum. Putin rushes to seize control of Ukrainian peninsula After the overthrow of Ukraine's pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, During the Euromaidan protests This caused widespread condemnation from the international community. Western countries impose sanctions on Russia This is a move that significantly worsens relations between Russia and NATO. It is considered the beginning of a new geopolitical divide.

Russo-Georgian War (2008)

In 2008, tensions between Russia and Georgia increased in the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Declaring independence from Georgia in 1990, Russia launched a brief military intervention. to support separatist forces in both regions The war ended in a ceasefire brokered by the French president of the European Union. Russia recognizes South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent republics. Although the move was widely condemned internationally, the two regions have a lot of arguments.

Annexation of Crimea (2014)

In 2014, Russia's involvement in Ukraine reached a crucial moment with the annexation of Crimea. The annexation took place through a controversial referendum. Putin rushes to seize control of Ukrainian peninsula After the overthrow of Ukraine's pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, During the Euromaidan protests, This caused widespread condemnation from the international community. Western countries impose sanctions on Russia This is a move that significantly worsens relations between Russia and NATO. It is considered the beginning of a new geopolitical divide.

Military intervention in Syria (2015–present)

In 2015, Russia intervened in the Syrian civil war by sending troops to support President Bashar al-Assad's regime. This intervention was motivated by Russia's desire to protect its strategic interests in Syria. region including the naval base at Tartus and position in the Middle East Russian forces provide air support. military advisor and weapons for Syrian government forces Such intervention has sparked controversy. It is accused of being a war crime and has suffered heavy civilian casualties. However, it has allowed Russia to assert its influence in the region and gain a foothold in the Middle East.

Invasion of Ukraine (2022–present)

In February 2022, Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This has greatly escalated the conflict that began with the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russia's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine has resulted in heavy casualties. Civilians have been displaced. and widespread destruction The war drew intense international condemnation. This led to a boycott from Western nations. This seriously damages Russia's relations with NATO, the European Union and other countries. The war continues without a clear resolution. and has a profound impact on global politics and security.

Repression of conflict

One of the most frequently cited criticisms of the Putin regime is its policy of cracking down on political dissent and opposition. Over the years he has been accused of restricting the freedom of speech, press and assembly of opposition politicians, journalists and activists critical of Putin or the government. Notable examples include the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the arrest of activists facing threats, intimidation or imprisonment. The state has used both legal and extra-legal measures to silence the opposition. Putin’s government has been criticized for its use of the free press, including cracking down on protests, passing laws to stifle opposition voices and the restrictive environment the state has created for non-governmental organizations of (NGOs) and human rights organizations in Russia.

Allegations of corruption

Widespread allegations of corruption have been leveled against the Putin administration. Critics say the system is rigged with corruption to maintain political power. The charges range from embezzlement of public funds to money laundering by people close to the president. Some reports say that Putin and his associates used their positions to amass huge personal fortunes through trade, bribery, and other illegal means, those of the Atlantic Commission and other independent Russian media organizations research report issued and informed this information. Critics say that corruption is not just about personal enrichment. but also to strengthen political power and maintain the loyalty of the elites. For the stability of the Putin regime.

Election irregularities

Allegations of fraud and undisclosed fraud have repeatedly damaged Putin during the election. There have been consistent reports of voter fraud over the years. Distorted electoral results and repression of opponents are major obstacles to Putin’s political opponents competing for the same position in multiple elections These include campaign restrictions, media freezes protection and allegations of voter intimidation. Critics say a lack of political pluralism and a lack of media power have made Russian elections undemocratic.
Taken together, these arguments paint a picture of a leadership style that severely limits political freedom. Due to the promotion of corruption and the undermining of the democratic process, Russia has become increasingly isolated from the world. And this tarnishes Putin’s international image.

"Whoever does not miss the Soviet Union has no heart. Whoever wants it back has no brain"

Sources.

Written by Britannica
Vladimir Putin -                                             

The presence of the Kremlin
Vladimir Putin - Kremlin Biography

Amazon.com
Putin by Philip Short

State Department
Disinformation on disarmament: Vladimir Putin’s historical disinformation

AP News Agency
Putin’s crackdown on the opposition

The Atlantic Council
Putin is armed with corruption to weaken Europe