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Vladimir Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister for more than two decades, has announced he will seek another six-year term in March next year in an election he is comfortably expected to win.
A years-long crackdown on opponents and critics bolstered by sweeping new laws on “fake news” and “discrediting the army” has seen critics and opponents of the war handed long jail terms or flee abroad as the room for dissent has steadily shrunk.
Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1952, Putin graduated from Leningrad State University with a law degree. He then embarked on a 16-year career in the KGB, the Soviet Union's intelligence agency. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Putin entered politics, rising through the ranks of the St. Petersburg administration before becoming Prime Minister in 1999.
Putin's popularity soared during his second stint as Prime Minister (2008-2012) when he presided over a period of economic growth fueled by high oil prices. He capitalized on this public support to win the 2012 presidential election, marking the beginning of his current extended term in office.
Putin's leadership has been marred by allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and election interference. He has also been accused of using misinformation and propaganda to advance his agenda.
Putin remains a divisive figure on the world stage. While some admire his strength and decisiveness, others fear his authoritarian tendencies and expansionist ambitions. His handling of the Ukraine war has further cemented his image as a controversial and potentially dangerous leader.
Despite facing international sanctions and economic challenges, Putin shows no signs of relinquishing power. His future course of action and his impact on Russia and the world remain uncertain.
April 26, 2024 1:34 am
Putin announced the plans for the visit at a congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in Moscow.
March 29, 2024 10:29 pm
Vitaly Borodin, an activist who heads an anti-corruption group and who regularly appears on state television, submitted an official request to recognise Pugacheva as a foreign agent.
March 21, 2024 4:57 pm
Alexei Navalny, Vladimir Putin's most prominent domestic opponent, died last month, aged 47, in an Arctic penal colony.
March 21, 2024 7:18 am
It is learnt that officials in Switzerland, India and Ukraine are working towards India’s participation at the summit this summer. China has also indicated that it is likely to attend the summit, sources said.
March 20, 2024 3:57 pm
The two leaders also reviewed progress in various issues of bilateral cooperation, and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
March 19, 2024 12:02 pm
Russia's elections have often been criticised for not being free and fair. Who were the candidates in the fray this year against Putin, and what do they stand for?
March 18, 2024 10:39 am
Vladimir Putin, in a news conference after Russia’s presidential election, said “some people” had told him before Navalny’s death “that there was an idea to exchange Mr. Navalny for some people held in correctional facilities in Western countries.”
March 18, 2024 7:56 am
The early result means Putin, 71, will easily secure a new six-year term that would enable him to overtake Josef Stalin and become Russia's longest-serving leader for more than 200 years.
March 16, 2024 12:12 pm
Voting is taking place at polling stations across Russia's 11 time zones, in illegally annexed regions of Ukraine, and online.
March 13, 2024 11:40 am
Vladimir Putin will likely use his predictable victory as proof of overwhelming public support for the war.
November 18, 2022 2:08 pm
About 350 protesters gathered and clashed with police about 10 km (6 miles) from the venue where leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group are meeting.
July 08, 2017 1:09 pm
PM Modi was among the many dignitaries present at the Twelfth G20 Summit held at Hamburg, northern Germany. US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull were also present.
December 28, 2015 9:16 am
Russian President Vladimir Putin exercises in a gym, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla are seen with their daughter named Max, Barack Obama poses for a selfie.
October 10, 2015 1:08 pm
Barack Obama extends his hand to Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Russia on Wednesday (September 30) carried out its first airstrikes in Syria in what Russian President Vladimir Putin called a pre-emptive strike against the militants.
September 05, 2015 8:00 am
Chinese troops staged a celebration of the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II in Beijing; Vladimir Putin worksout in an open-air gym; Hundreds of angry migrants demonstrated outside Budapest's Eastern Railway Terminus.
August 22, 2015 8:00 am
Vladimir Putin submerging into the waters of the Black Sea; Ranil Wickremesinghe to be sworn in as Sri Lanka's new prime minister in Colombo.
August 20, 2015 2:04 pm
President Vladimir Putin plunged into the Black Sea to see the wreckage of a sunk ancient merchant ship.
July 11, 2015 10:21 am
Narendra Modi accepts Nawaz Sharif's invitation to visit Pakistan for SAARC summit in 2016; a three day celebration of Dalai Lama's 80th birthday; monsoon arrives in Delhi.
December 31, 2014 8:44 pm
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the top news and newsmaker in 2014. He led BJP to a historic election victory and formed a stable government at the Centre.
December 11, 2014 1:53 pm
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for summit level talks in New Delhi.
January 24, 2016 1:31 pm
Russia, Jan 24 (ANI): Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his greetings to the Indian citizens on the occasion of Republic Day. President Putin in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he appreciates relations of special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India. He added that he was sure that further build-up between the two nations will be fruitful bilateral cooperation in different areas. He also said that constructive interaction corresponds to their common interests and goes in line with ensuring stability and security in Asia and the entire world.
October 23, 2015 11:24 am
President Vladimir Putin has defended Russia’s air campaign in Syria, stressing the aim is to restore peace.
July 15, 2014 6:03 am
Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaving Hotel Seara Praia to meet China President Xi Jinping at Hotel Grand Marquise.