Russia Putin

Early life and political career
Vladimir Putin, the 4th and current President of the Russian Federation, was born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.

Putin's father, Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin, was a conscript in the Soviet Navy and later worked at the Kirovsky Plant. His mother, Maria Ivanovna Putina (née Shelomova), was a factory worker.

Putin graduated from Leningrad State University in 1975 with a degree in law. He then worked for the KGB, the Soviet Union's secret police, for 16 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Putin entered politics. He served as the first deputy mayor of St. Petersburg from 1994 to 1996.

Presidency
In 1999, Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia by President Boris Yeltsin. He became Acting President on December 31, 1999, following Yeltsin's resignation.

Putin was elected President of Russia in 2000, and has been re-elected three times since then. He is the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin.

During Putin's presidency, Russia has undergone significant economic and political changes. The Russian economy has grown steadily, and the country has become increasingly influential on the world stage.

Putin has also been criticized for his authoritarian rule and for suppressing political dissent. He has been accused of human rights abuses, including the poisoning of political opponents and the imprisonment of journalists.

Personal life
Putin is married to Lyudmila Shkrebneva. They have two daughters, Maria and Yekaterina.

Putin is a keen sportsman and enjoys judo, skiing, and ice hockey. He is also a fan of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Legacy
Putin's legacy is likely to be debated for many years to come. He is a complex and controversial figure who has presided over a period of significant change in Russia.

Some see him as a strong and decisive leader who has restored Russia to its former glory. Others see him as an authoritarian dictator who has stifled dissent and undermined democracy.

Only time will tell how Putin's presidency will be ultimately judged by history.