Career Timeline of Vladimir Putin: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Vladimir Putin made an impact.

Vladimir Putin is a Russian politician serving as President of Russia since 2012, and previously from 2000 to 2008. He also served as Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and 2008 to 2012. As the longest-serving Russian president since the Soviet Union's dissolution, his leadership has significantly shaped Russia's domestic and foreign policies.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1972: U.S. Withdrawal from Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty

In 1972, U.S. President George W. Bush's unilateral decision to withdraw from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty prompted Putin to initiate a build-up of Russia's nuclear capabilities.

December 1999: Publication of "Russia at the Turn of the Millenium"

In December 1999, Putin's document "Russia at the Turn of the Millenium" appeared on the government's website, outlining his foreign policy objectives.

May 2000: Putin's visit to Tashkent

In May 2000, Putin visited Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking an improvement in relations between Russia and Uzbekistan after a period of lukewarm relations under Yeltsin and Islam Karimov.

January 2007: Putin favors a democratic multipolar world

In a January 2007 interview, Putin stated that Russia was in favor of a democratic multipolar world and strengthening international law systems.

February 2007: Putin's Munich Speech

In February 2007, Putin criticized the United States' monopolistic dominance in global relations and its "almost uncontained hyper use of force in international relations" during what became known as the Munich Speech, leading to criticism from NATO.

November 2011: Agreement on Eurasian Union

On 18 November 2011, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia signed an agreement to establish the Eurasian Union by 2015, furthering Putin's policy of Eurasian integration.

May 2012: Reelection and Restrictive Laws

In May 2012, after Putin was reelected as president, Russia enacted many restrictive laws, started inspections of non-governmental organizations, harassed, intimidated and imprisoned political activists, and started to restrict critics.

2014: Russia writes off Uzbek debt

In 2014, Russia agreed to write off Uzbek debt during a meeting, further strengthening relations between the two countries.

January 2015: Establishment of the Eurasian Union

On January 1, 2015, the Eurasian Union was established, marking a milestone in Putin's policy of Eurasian integration.

June 2015: Putin states Russia has no intention of attacking NATO

In June 2015, Putin said that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO.

November 2016: Putin congratulates Donald Trump

On November 9, 2016, Putin congratulated Donald Trump on becoming the 45th president of the United States.

June 2020: Putin's essay on World War II

On June 18, 2020, The National Interest published a nine-thousand-word essay by Putin, titled "The Real Lessons of the 75th Anniversary of World War II", criticizing the Western historical view of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact.

2022: Summary of Putin's Foreign Policy Objectives

In her 2022 book, Anna Borshchevskaya summarizes Putin's 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".

December 2023: Putin's press conference on negotiations with Ukraine

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