Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Vladimir Putin

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Vladimir Putin.

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

1987: Potential Violation of Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty

Some analysts believe that Russia's nuclear strategy under Putin has brought Russia into violation of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

1999: Punishment of Journalists Challenging Official Views

Scott Gehlbach claimed that since 1999, Putin has systematically punished journalists who challenge his official point of view.

2003: Alexander Litvinenko became an MI6 agent

In 2003, Alexander Litvinenko became an MI6 agent, following his role as an officer in the KGB and FSB.

2006: Death of Alexander Litvinenko

The end of 2006 brought strained relations following the death by polonium poisoning in London of former KGB and FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko.

2007: Diplomatic expulsions between Russia and the UK

In 2007, the crisis in relations continued with the expulsion of four Russian envoys over Russia's refusal to extradite former KGB bodyguard Andrei Lugovoi to face charges in the murder of Alexander Litvinenko. Russia expelled UK diplomats in retaliation.

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.

2012: Crackdown on Liberal Media

In 2012, after Putin's return to the Kremlin, a crackdown extended to the liberal media, which had previously operated fairly independently.

2012: Adoption of "Foreign Agent" Legislation

In 2012, the original "foreign agent" legislation was adopted.

2013: Russia's Press Freedom Ranking

In 2013, Reporters Without Borders ranked Russia 148 out of 179 countries in terms of freedom of the press, criticizing the crackdown on political opposition and the failure to bring to justice criminals who have murdered journalists.

March 2014: Russian Annexation of Crimea

Following the Revolution of Dignity in March 2014, the Russian Federation annexed Crimea, which Putin stated was done because "Crimea has always been and remains an inseparable part of Russia".

March 2014: Putin cites Kosovo independence precedent for Crimea

In March 2014, Putin used Kosovo's declaration of independence as a justification for recognizing the independence of Crimea, citing the "Kosovo independence precedent".

July 2014: Speech on Protecting Russian Speakers Outside Russia

In a July 2014 speech during a Russian-supported armed insurgency in Eastern Ukraine, Putin stated he would use Russia's "entire arsenal of available means" up to "operations under international humanitarian law and the right of self-defence" to protect Russian speakers outside Russia.

August 2014: Putin's statement on Russian and Ukrainian peoples

In August 2014, Putin stated his belief that the Russian and Ukrainian peoples are practically one people, reflecting his views on the historical unity of the two nations.

December 2015: Putin's statement on Ukrainian culture and literature

In December 2015, after a similar statement to that made in August 2014, Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian culture and literature have their own unique source, recognizing their distinct characteristics.

2015: British Government launches public inquiry into Litvinenko's death

In 2015, the British Government launched a public inquiry into Alexander Litvinenko's death, presided over by Robert Owen.

January 2016: Publication of the Owen Report

On January 21, 2016, the Owen report stated that "The FSB operation to kill Mr. Litvinenko was probably approved by Mr Patrushev and also by President Putin".

December 2016: US intelligence claims Putin approved email hacking

In December 2016, US intelligence officials stated that Putin approved the email hacking and cyber attacks during the U.S. election against Hillary Clinton. A spokesman for Putin denied the reports.

June 2020: Political Prisoners in Russia

As of June 2020, Memorial Human Rights Center reported 380 political prisoners in Russia, including those prosecuted for political activities or involvement with banned Muslim organizations.

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.

2020: Expansion of "Foreign Agent" Legislation

In 2020, Putin signed a law on labeling individuals and organizations receiving funding from abroad as "foreign agents", expanding the legislation adopted in 2012.

July 2021: Putin's article on the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians

In July 2021, Putin published a lengthy article titled "On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians", revisiting previous themes and describing the formation of a Ukrainian state hostile to Moscow as comparable to the use of weapons of mass destruction. It was made mandatory reading for military-political training in the Russian Armed Forces.

December 2022: Prosecutions for Criticizing the War in Ukraine

As of December 2022, more than 4,000 people were prosecuted for criticizing the war in Ukraine under Russia's war censorship laws.

December 2022: Putin refers to the fighting in Ukraine as a "war"

On December 22, 2022, Putin referred to the fighting in Ukraine as a "war" during a Security Council address, deviating from the term "Special Military Operation". Later, on December 25, he openly declared that the goal of the invasion is "to unite the Russian people".

2022: Putin's comments on SMO preparation

During the 2024 Year-End Review, President Putin said that the events of 2022 began without preparation and that it was impossible to stand still and endure any longer.

2024: Putin's regrets regarding the SMO during the 2024 Year-End Review

During the 2024 Year-End Review, President Putin said that he regretted not launching the "Special Military Operation" at the same time as the annexation of Crimea and with more "preparation".