Vladimir Putin

Guide Note

Vladimir Putin is the current Prime Minister of Russia and was president from 2000 to May 7, 2008.

Putin began his career as a KGB officer. He retired from the KGB in 1990, and became involved in politics, heading the Federal Security Service under Boris Yeltsin. He became acting president on December 31, 1999 and was formerly elected in March, 2000.

Putin's popularity stems primarily from the significant increase in economic prosperity that Russia experience under his administration.

However, many critics have expressed concerns about the erosion of democracy, infringement on media freedoms, human rights abuses, and moves to curb the political influence of his opponents.

Fast Facts

  1. Born: October 7, 1952
  2. Hometown: St Petersburg
  3. KGB: Former lieutenant colonel
  4. Ph.D.: Economics
  5. Fluent: Russian, German, English
  6. Prime Minister: August 9, 1999
  7. Acting president: December 31, 1999
  8. Formally elected president: March, 2000
  9. Replaced Boris Yeltsin as president
  10. Second president in the history of the Russian Federation
  11. Spouse: Lyudmila Putina
  12. Two daughters: Maria and Yekaterina
  13. Named Time Person Of The Year in 2007

Medvedev Handover

Though Putin's tenure as president ended in May, 2008, he was replaced by his preferred successor Dmitry Medvedev.

Putin had stated he will continue to be deeply involved in Russian politics, an assertion that was supported when Medvedev appointed him prime minister.

It is widely believed that Putin, and the many officials he placed in power during his presidency, will continue to exert significant influence on the government and politics of Russia for many years to come.

The Mahalo Top 7

  1. Official Site: President of Russia
  2. LA Times: Putin assumes role as Russian prime minister (May 8, 2008)
  3. BBC News: Putin in 2020 pledge on economy (May 8, 2008)
  4. TIME: A Tsar Is Born - Person of the Year 2007 (December 19, 2007)
  5. Wikipedia: Vladimir Putin
  6. NPR Special Report: Vladimir Putin (2001)
  7. Video: Putin delivers final address to State Council as President (Time 4:24)


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