History of Vladimir Putin in Timeline
Vladimir Putin is a prominent Russian politician who has significantly shaped Russia's trajectory in the 21st century. A former intelligence officer, he served as President of Russia from 2000-2008 and again from 2012 to the present. He also held the position of Prime Minister twice (1999-2000 and 2008-2012). Often regarded as the de facto leader of Russia since 2000, his leadership has been characterized by a strong emphasis on national sovereignty, centralized power, and assertive foreign policy.
1940: Birth of brother Viktor
In 1940, Putin's brother, Viktor, was born.
1941: Death of Maternal Grandmother
In 1941, Putin's maternal grandmother was killed by German occupiers of the Tver region.
1942: Death of brother Viktor
In 1942, Putin's brother, Viktor, died of diphtheria and starvation during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II.
1942: Father Wounded in War
In 1942, Putin's father was severely wounded while serving in the regular army during the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union.
1943: Tehran Conference
Since Joseph Stalin's participation in the Tehran Conference in 1943, the 16 of October 2007 marked the first visit of a Soviet or Russian leader to Iran.
October 1952: Birth of Vladimir Putin
In October 1952, Vladimir Putin was born in Leningrad, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia).
October 1952: Vladimir Putin's Birth
In October 1952, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin was born. He is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer.
September 1960: Started School at School No. 193
In September 1960, Vladimir Putin started attending School No. 193 at Baskov Lane.
1960: US Cancels Summit
In late 2013, Russian-American relations deteriorated further when the United States canceled a summit for the first time since 1960 after Putin gave asylum to Edward Snowden.
1970: Studied Law at Leningrad State University
In 1970, Vladimir Putin began studying law at the Leningrad State University.
1972: U.S. Withdrawal from Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty
According to the Kremlin, Putin embarked on a build-up of Russia's nuclear capabilities because of U.S. president George W. Bush's unilateral decision to withdraw from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.
1972: Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty
In 1972, the U.S. and Soviet Union signed the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, during the period when countries were willing to join NATO, this treaty was unilaterally withdrawn from by the U.S.
1975: Graduated from Leningrad State University
In 1975, Vladimir Putin graduated from Leningrad State University.
1975: Joined the KGB
In 1975, Vladimir Putin joined the KGB and trained at the 401st KGB School in Okhta, Leningrad.
1978: Publication of "Strategic Planning and Policy"
In 1978, the book "Strategic Planning and Policy" by King and Cleland was published, which Vladimir Putin later allegedly used in his thesis.
July 1983: Putin Marries Lyudmila Shkrebneva
On July 28, 1983, Vladimir Putin married Lyudmila Shkrebneva.
September 1984: Sent to Moscow for further training
In September 1984, Vladimir Putin was sent to Moscow for further training at the Yuri Andropov Red Banner Institute.
April 1985: Birth of Maria Putina
On April 28, 1985, Maria Putina, Vladimir Putin's daughter, was born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg).
1985: Posted in Dresden, East Germany
From 1985 to 1990, Vladimir Putin served in Dresden, East Germany, using a cover identity as a translator for the KGB.
August 1986: Birth of Yekaterina Putina
On August 31, 1986, Yekaterina Putina, Vladimir Putin's daughter, was born in Dresden, East Germany (now Germany).
1987: 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.
November 1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall
In November 1989, during the fall of the Berlin Wall, Putin reportedly saved the files of the Soviet Cultural Center and KGB villa in Dresden.
1989: Confrontations with Anti-Communist Protestors
In 1989, while posted in Dresden, Putin confronted East Germany's anti-communist protestors who attempted to occupy the city's Stasi buildings.
1989: Freedom House Warns of Russia's Retreat from Freedom
In 2004, Freedom House warned that Russia's "retreat from freedom marks a low point not registered since 1989, when the country was part of the Soviet Union".
May 1990: Appointed Advisor on International Affairs
In May 1990, Vladimir Putin was appointed as an advisor on international affairs to Mayor Anatoly Sobchak in Saint Petersburg.
1990: End of Putin's Assignment in East Germany
In 1990, Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila concluded their assignment in East Germany, where they had been living since 1985.
1990: End of Service in Dresden
In 1990, Vladimir Putin's service in Dresden, East Germany, ended.
1990: Returned to Leningrad
In early 1990, Vladimir Putin returned to Leningrad and worked with the International Affairs section of Leningrad State University.
1990: Kyoto Protocol Limits Emissions
The Kyoto Protocol limits emissions to a percentage increase or decrease from 1990 levels.
1990: Democratic partnership with Russia in the 1990 Paris Charter
Western nations must start the turnaround by emphatically refuting one of Mr. Putin's favorite claims: that the West abrogated the promise of democratic partnership with Russia in the 1990 Paris Charter.
June 1991: Head of Committee for External Relations
In June 1991, Vladimir Putin became the head of the Committee for External Relations of the Saint Petersburg Mayor's Office.
August 1991: Resigned from KGB
On August 20, 1991, Vladimir Putin resigned from the KGB with the rank of lieutenant colonel, on the second day of the 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt.
1991: Resigned from KGB to start political career
In 1991, Vladimir Putin resigned from the KGB to begin his political career in Saint Petersburg.
1991: End of Communist Party Membership
In 1991, Vladimir Putin's membership in the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) ceased when the party dissolved.
1993: Car Crash Involving Putin's Wife
In 1993, Vladimir Putin's wife was involved in a serious car crash, which Putin said contributed to his religious awakening.
1994: Eurasian Union Concept Proposed
In 1994, the concept of a Eurasian Union was proposed by the president of Kazakhstan.
August 1996: Fire at Putin's Dacha
In August 1996, a life-threatening fire burned down Vladimir Putin's dacha, which he said contributed to his religious awakening.
1996: Moved to Moscow to join Yeltsin's administration
In 1996, Vladimir Putin moved to Moscow to join the administration of President Boris Yeltsin.
1996: Putin Builds Dacha and Forms Ozero Cooperative
In 1996, after his dacha burned down, Vladimir Putin built a new one identical to the original in Solovyovka. He was joined by a group of seven friends who built dachas nearby. The group formally registered their fraternity as a co-operative society, calling it Ozero ("Lake") and turning it into a gated community.
1996: Called to Moscow
In 1996, following the electoral defeat of Sobchak, Vladimir Putin was called to Moscow and assumed the role of Deputy Chief of the Presidential Property Management Department.
1996: Retained position until 1996
Vladimir Putin retained his position in the Saint Petersburg administration until 1996.
1997: Received degree in economics
In 1997, Vladimir Putin received a degree in economics from Saint Petersburg Mining University.
1997: Appointed Deputy Chief of the Presidential Staff
In 1997, Vladimir Putin was appointed deputy chief of the Presidential Staff.
August 1998: Russian Financial Crash
During the Russian financial crash of August 1998, Putin learned that financial crises are politically destabilizing and must be avoided at all costs.
1998: Appointed Director of the FSB
In 1998, President Boris Yeltsin appointed Vladimir Putin director of the FSB.
August 1999: Appointed Prime Minister of Russia
In August 1999, Vladimir Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia.
August 1999: Putin Appointed as First Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister
In August 1999, Vladimir Putin's public profile significantly rose when he was appointed as one of the three First Deputy Prime Ministers. Subsequently, he became the acting Prime Minister after Sergei Stepashin's cabinet was dismissed.
December 1999: Putin's Foreign Policy Objectives
In December 1999, Putin outlined his foreign policy objectives in the document "Russia at the Turn of the Millennium", emphasizing Russia's unique values, unity, and anti-Western security narratives.
1999: Start of "Reform" Years
In 1999, Sergey Guriyev marked the beginning of Putin's "reform" years during his first term.
1999: Putin Describes Communism and Leads in Polls
In 1999, Vladimir Putin characterized communism as "a blind alley, far away from the mainstream of civilization." By the autumn of 1999, Putin had surpassed Zyuganov as the leading candidate in the polls for the upcoming 2000 presidential election.
1999: Appointed Prime Minister of Russia
In 1999, Vladimir Putin served as Prime Minister of Russia.
1999: Punishment of Journalists Challenging Official View
Scott Gehlbach has claimed that since 1999, Putin has systematically punished journalists who challenge his official point of view.
March 2000: Elected President of Russia
In March 2000, Vladimir Putin was elected to his first term as President of Russia.
March 2000: Putin Wins Presidential Election
In March 2000, Vladimir Putin, endorsed by Yeltsin as his preferred successor, leveraged his law-and-order reputation to win the presidential election.
May 2000: Putin's visit to Tashkent
In May 2000, Vladimir Putin visited Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking an improvement in relations between Russia and Uzbekistan after a period of lukewarm relations under Yeltsin.
May 2000: Decree on Federal Subjects Organization
On 13 May 2000, Putin issued a decree organizing the 89 federal subjects of Russia into seven administrative federal districts and appointed a presidential envoy responsible for each of those districts.
May 2000: Putin Inaugurated as President
On May 7, 2000, Vladimir Putin was inaugurated as the President of Russia.
July 2000: Putin Visits North Korea
In July 2000, Putin became the first Russian or Soviet leader to visit North Korea, meeting with Kim Jong Il shortly after visiting South Korea.
July 2000: Putin Gained Right to Dismiss Heads of Federal Subjects
In July 2000, according to a law proposed by Putin and approved by the Federal Assembly of Russia, Putin gained the right to dismiss the heads of the 89 federal subjects.
2000: Russia Re-establishes Ties with Cuba
Earlier in 2000, Putin had re-established stronger ties with Fidel Castro's Cuba.
2000: Launch of Socio-Economic Development Program
In 2000, Putin launched the "Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of the Russian Federation for the Period 2000–2010".
2000: Vladimir Litvinenko managed presidential election campaign
In 2000, Vladimir Litvinenko managed Vladimir Putin's presidential election campaigns in St Petersburg.
2000: First Presidential Term
In 2000, Vladimir Putin began his first term as President of Russia.
2000: Co-Authors "Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin"
In 2000, Vladimir Putin co-authored a book titled 'Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin' in Russian.
2000: Zyuganov Frontrunner for Presidential Elections
In 2000, Zyuganov was the evident frontrunner for the first round of the pending 2000 presidential election.
2000: Putin elected as President of Russia
Vladimir Putin was elected as President of Russia in 2000, under an independent banner.
2001: Putin's relations with Western leaders
After the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. in 2001, Putin had good relations with American President George W. Bush, and many Western European leaders.
2001: Russian Territorial Extension Claim
Russian expedition Arktika 2007, part of research related to the 2001 Russian territorial extension claim, planted a flag on the seabed at the North Pole in August 2007.
2001: Putin Receives Civilian Honors
Since 2001, Vladimir Putin has received civilian honors from at least fifteen countries.
December 2002: First Meeting Between Putin and Hu Jintao
In December 2002, Putin and Chinese leader Hu Jintao held their first meeting, initiating regular face-to-face meetings five to six times a year.
2002: Otto von Habsburg Warns of Putin as an International Threat
In a newspaper interview in 2002, Otto von Habsburg warned of Vladimir Putin as an "international threat".
March 2003: Alleged Birth of Elizaveta Rozova
In March 2003, Elizaveta, also known as Luiza Rozova, was allegedly born to Svetlana Krivonogikh and Vladimir Putin.
2003: End of "Reform" Years
In 2003, Sergey Guriyev noted the end of Putin's "reform" years during his first term.
2003: UK grants asylum to Berezovsky and Litvinenko joins MI6
In 2003, relations between Russia and the United Kingdom deteriorated after the UK granted political asylum to Boris Berezovsky, and Alexander Litvinenko became an MI6 agent.
2003: Rose Revolution in Georgia
In 2003, the Rose Revolution in Georgia contributed to frictions in relations between Georgia and Russia.
2003: Otto von Habsburg Describes Putin as Cruel and Oppressive
In a speech in 2003, Otto von Habsburg described Vladimir Putin as "cruel and oppressive".
December 2004: Putin Criticizes Rose and Orange Revolutions
In December 2004, Putin criticized the Rose and Orange revolutions, warning of the risk of plunging the post-Soviet space into endless conflict.
2004: Freedom House Warns of Russia's Retreat from Freedom
In 2004, Freedom House warned that Russia's "retreat from freedom marks a low point not registered since 1989, when the country was part of the Soviet Union".
2004: Putin Signed the Kyoto Protocol Treaty
In 2004, Putin signed the Kyoto Protocol treaty designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2004: Start of "Statist" Years
In 2004, Sergey Guriyev marked the beginning of Putin's "statist" years during his second term.
2004: Vladimir Litvinenko managed presidential election campaign
In 2004, Vladimir Litvinenko managed Vladimir Putin's presidential election campaigns in St Petersburg.
2004: Publishes "Judo: History, Theory, Practice" in English
In 2004, Vladimir Putin published 'Judo: History, Theory, Practice' in English.
2004: Re-elected as President
In 2004, Vladimir Putin was reelected as President of Russia.
2004: Direct Election of Governors Replaced
In 2004, the direct election of governors by popular vote was replaced with a system where they would be nominated by the president and approved or disapproved by regional legislatures.
2005: Russia Repays Soviet Union's Debts
By 2005, a fund for oil revenue allowed Russia to repay the Soviet Union's debts.
2005: Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan
In 2005, the Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan led to frictions in the relations of Kyrgyzstan with Russia.
2005: Otto von Habsburg Labels Putin a "Stone Cold Technocrat"
In a speech in 2005, Otto von Habsburg characterized Vladimir Putin as a "stone cold technocrat".
2005: Freedom House Lists Russia as "Not Free"
Since 2005, Freedom House has listed Russia as being "not free", citing democratic backsliding during Vladimir Putin's tenure.
2006: Launch of Aircraft Industry Consolidation Program
In 2006, Putin launched an industry consolidation programme to bring the main aircraft-producing companies under a single umbrella organization, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).
2006: Putin Kisses Boy's Stomach, Generates Controversy
In 2006, Vladimir Putin lifted the shirt of a boy to kiss his stomach without permission, an incident that generated widespread reaction, although Tatiana Mikhailova opines it did not cause much reaction in Russia even though it was unprecedented and transgressive by Russian standards and would have caused outrage in any other country.
2006: Putin's Reported Income
In 2006, Vladimir Putin's reported income totaled 2 million rubles (approximately $152,000).
2006: Death of Alexander Litvinenko
In late 2006, relations between Russia and the UK were strained further by the death of former KGB and FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko in London due to polonium poisoning.
January 2007: Putin advocates for a democratic multipolar world
In a January 2007 interview, Putin stated Russia's support for a democratic multipolar world and strengthening international law systems.
February 2007: Putin criticizes US dominance in Munich Speech
In February 2007, Putin delivered a speech in Munich criticizing the United States' monopolistic dominance in global relations and the excessive use of force, leading to an arms race. This speech became known as the Munich Speech.
May 2007: Act of Canonical Communion Signed
On 17 May 2007, the Act of Canonical Communion with the Moscow Patriarchate was signed, restoring relations between the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia after an 80-year schism. President Putin took an active part in promoting it.
June 2007: Putin's Approval Rating Reaches 81%
In June 2007, Vladimir Putin's public approval rating reached 81%, making it the second-highest of any world leader that year.
June 2007: Putin Proposes Counterproposal to US Missile Shield
On 7 June 2007, Putin publicly opposed plans for the U.S. missile shield in Europe and presented President George W. Bush with a counterproposal, which was declined.
August 2007: Russian Expedition Arktika 2007
In August 2007, Russian expedition Arktika 2007 planted a flag on the seabed at the North Pole.
October 2007: Putin Visits Iran for Caspian Summit
On 16 October 2007, Putin visited Iran for the Second Caspian Summit in Tehran, marking the first visit of a Soviet or Russian leader to Iran since 1943. He met with Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and expressed concerns over the Iranian nuclear programme, while describing Iran as a "partner".
December 2007: Russia Suspends Participation in CFE Treaty
On 11 December 2007, Russia suspended its participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty.
December 2007: Major Navy Sortie into the Mediterranean
On 5 December 2007, Russian defense minister Anatoliy Serdyukov announced during his meeting with Putin that 11 ships, including the aircraft carrier Kuznetsov, would take part in the first major navy sortie into the Mediterranean since Soviet times.
2007: Prediction of Russia Becoming One of World's Largest Economies
According to Meduza, Putin has since 2007 predicted on several occasions that Russia will become one of the world's five largest economies.
2007: Wen Jiabao's Comment on Meetings with Medvedev
In 2007, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao quipped that he and Russian Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev "didn't even use prepared speeches" during their regular meetings, highlighting the close relationship.
2007: Putin Visits Indonesia and Signs Arms Deal
In 2007, Putin became the first Russian or Soviet leader to visit Indonesia in half a century, resulting in the signing of an arms deal.
2007: Sochi Wins Bid for 2014 Winter Olympics
In 2007, Putin led a successful effort on behalf of Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2014 Winter Paralympics, marking the first time Russia would host the Winter Olympic Games.
2007: Putin Named Time Person of the Year
In 2007, Vladimir Putin was named Time Person of the Year.
2007: Official Figures Release Putin's Wealth
In 2007, official figures released during the legislative election put Vladimir Putin's wealth at approximately 3.7 million rubles (US$280,000) in bank accounts, a private 77.4-square-meter apartment in Saint Petersburg, and miscellaneous other assets.
2007: CIA Estimate of Putin's Wealth
In 2007, the CIA estimated Putin's wealth at $40 billion.
2007: Expulsion of Russian Envoys
In 2007, the crisis in relations between Russia and the UK continued with the expulsion of four Russian envoys over Russia's refusal to extradite Andrei Lugovoi in connection with the murder of Alexander Litvinenko. Russia responded by expelling UK diplomats.
2007: Komsomolskaya Pravda Publishes Shirtless Putin Photo
In 2007, the tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda published a large photograph of a shirtless Vladimir Putin vacationing in the Siberian mountains, with the headline "Be Like Putin," contributing to his cult of personality.
2007: Putin on Belief in God
In 2007, when asked about his belief in God, Vladimir Putin replied that there are things he believes that he shouldn't share with the public because it would look like self-advertising or a political striptease.
April 2008: Putin Visits Libya
In April 2008, Putin became the first Russian president to visit Libya.
April 2008: Moskovsky Korrespondent Reports Putin's Divorce and Engagement, Newspaper Shut Down
In April 2008, the Moskovsky Korrespondent reported that Vladimir Putin had divorced Lyudmila and was engaged to Alina Kabaeva. The story was denied, and the newspaper was subsequently shut down.
August 2008: South Ossetia War
In August 2008, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili attempted to restore control over South Ossetia, leading to the 2008 South Ossetia War after Russian forces entered South Ossetia and other parts of Georgia, also opening a second front in Abkhazia.
2008: Served as Prime Minister under Medvedev
From 2008 to 2012, Vladimir Putin served as Prime Minister of Russia under Dmitry Medvedev due to constitutional term limits.
2008: World Economic Crisis and Recovery
In 2008, Sergey Guriyev noted the beginning of the world economic crisis and recovery period.
2008: Served as Prime Minister again
In 2008, Vladimir Putin served as Prime Minister of Russia again.
2008: Putin's Statements on Ukraine and NATO
In 2008, at a NATO-Russia summit, Putin allegedly declared that if Ukraine joined NATO, Russia could move to annex the Ukrainian East and Crimea, and told U.S. President George W. Bush that "Ukraine is not even a state!".
2008: Abandonment of Socio-Economic Development Program
In 2008, the "Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of the Russian Federation for the Period 2000–2010" was abandoned when it was 30% complete.
2008: Kazan Wins Bid for 2013 Summer Universiade
In 2008, the city of Kazan won the bid for the 2013 Summer Universiade.
2009: Clinton served as U.S. secretary of state
Hillary Clinton served as U.S. secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, later being accused by Putin of interfering in Russia's internal affairs.
2009: Putin Gives Away Expensive Watches
In 2009, Vladimir Putin was known to give watches valued at thousands of dollars as gifts. In one instance he gifted a watch identified as a Blancpain to a Siberian boy while on vacation, and in another similar watch to a factory worker in the same year.
2010: Planned End of Socio-Economic Development Program
In 2010, the "Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of the Russian Federation for the Period 2000–2010" was supposed to end.
November 2011: Berlusconi's Resignation
Even after Silvio Berlusconi's resignation in November 2011, Putin continued to organize bilateral meetings, highlighting their close friendship.
November 2011: Agreement to Establish Eurasian Union by 2015
On November 18, 2011, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia signed an agreement setting a target of establishing the Eurasian Union by 2015.
2011: Russia Boosts Relations with Vietnam
2011: Putin Condemns Military Intervention in Libya and Gaddafi's Death
In 2011, Putin condemned the foreign military intervention in Libya, referring to the UN resolution as "defective and flawed". He also called Muammar Gaddafi's death a "planned murder" by the US.
2011: Photographs of Putin's Palace Leaked
In 2011, photographs from inside Putin's Palace were leaked onto the Internet.
2011: Kadyrov credits Putin with saving Chechen people and Russia
Prior to 2011, Chechen Republic head and Vladimir Putin supporter, Ramzan Kadyrov, stated that Putin saved both the Chechen people and Russia.
2011: Economist Intelligence Unit Rates Russia as "Authoritarian"
Since 2011, The Economist Intelligence Unit has rated Russia as "authoritarian", changing from its previous classification as a "hybrid regime".
May 2012: Putin Reelected as President and Enactment of Restrictive Laws
Since May 2012, when Putin was reelected as president, Russia has enacted many restrictive laws, started inspections of non-governmental organizations, harassed, intimidated and imprisoned political activists, and started to restrict critics.
June 2012: Putin Rejects Hollande's Call for Assad to Step Down in Syria
In June 2012, during a meeting in Paris, Vladimir Putin rejected French President François Hollande's call for Bashar al-Assad to step down from power in Syria. Putin echoed Assad's argument that anti-regime militants were responsible for much of the bloodshed.
August 2012: Russia Joins the World Trade Organization
In August 2012, Russia became a member of the World Trade Organization.
August 2012: Critics List Putin's Residences
In August 2012, critics of Vladimir Putin listed the ownership of 20 villas and palaces, nine of which were built during his 12 years in power.
2012: Putin Resumes Presidency
After Putin resumed the presidency in 2012, his rule is best described as 'manual management'.
2012: Publication of Masha Gessen's Biography
In 2012, Masha Gessen wrote in their biography of Putin that Putin and his colleagues were reduced mainly to collecting press clippings, thus contributing to the mountains of useless information produced by the KGB.
2012: Patriarch Kirill Endorses Putin
In 2012, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, endorsed Putin's election, describing his terms as "a miracle of God" and solidifying the alliance between the church and the state.
2012: Allegations of "Putin's Palace" Construction
In 2012, Sergei Kolesnikov, a former business associate of Vladimir Putin's, told the BBC's Newsnight programme that he had been ordered by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin to oversee the building of a massive Italianate-style mansion costing an alleged US$1 billion, dubbed "Putin's Palace" near Praskoveevka. He also said the mansion, built on government land with helipads and a private road paid for from state funds and guarded by officials in Kremlin guard uniforms, was built for Putin's private use.
2012: Birth of Putin's Grandson through Maria
In 2012, Vladimir Putin had a grandson born through his daughter Maria.
2012: Putin Reports Income of 3.6 Million Rubles
In 2012, Vladimir Putin reported an income of 3.6 million rubles ($270,000).
2012: Returned as President of Russia
In 2012, Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency of Russia.
2012: Putin Awarded Eighth Dan Black Belt
In 2012, Vladimir Putin was awarded the eighth dan of the black belt, becoming the first Russian to achieve the status.
2012: Founding of the Izborsky Club
In 2012, the Izborsky Club, founded by Alexander Prokhanov, emphasized Russian nationalism, restoration of Russia's historical greatness, and opposition to liberal ideas and policies.
2012: Crackdown on Liberal Media
Maria Lipman claims that "The crackdown that followed Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012 extended to the liberal media, which had until then been allowed to operate fairly independently".
2012: Adoption of "Foreign Agent" Legislation
The law on labelling individuals and organizations receiving funding from abroad as "foreign agents" is an expansion of "foreign agent" legislation adopted in 2012.
2012: Mass Protests Against Election Falsification and Censorship
The period after 2012 saw mass protests against the falsification of elections, censorship, and the toughening of free assembly laws.
January 2013: Putin's Approval Rating Drops to 62%
In January 2013, during the 2011–2013 Russian protests, Vladimir Putin's approval rating fell to 62%, the lowest since 2000.
June 2013: Putin and Lyudmila Announce End of Marriage
On June 6, 2013, Vladimir Putin and Lyudmila announced that their marriage was over.
September 2013: Putin Urges Caution Against US Intervention in Syria
In September 2013, Vladimir Putin published an op-ed in The New York Times urging caution against U.S. intervention in Syria and criticizing American exceptionalism. Following this, Putin helped arrange for the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.
2013: Clinton served as U.S. secretary of state
Hillary Clinton served as U.S. secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, later being accused by Putin of interfering in Russia's internal affairs.
2013: Forbes Ranks Putin World's Most Powerful Individual
In 2013, Forbes ranked Vladimir Putin the World's Most Powerful Individual, a title he held every year until 2016.
2013: Russia as One of Five Biggest Economies
In 2013, Putin said Russia was one of the five biggest economies in terms of gross domestic product but still lagged behind other countries on indicators such as labour productivity.
2013: Gay Athletes at Sochi Winter Olympics
In 2013, Putin stated that gay athletes would not face any discrimination at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
2013: Russia's Press Freedom Ranking
In 2013, Reporters Without Borders ranked Russia 148 out of 179 countries in press freedom, criticizing the crackdown on political opposition and failure to prosecute journalist murderers. Freedom House also rated Russian media as "not free" in 2013, noting absent safeguards for journalists and media enterprises.
2013: End of World Economic Crisis and Recovery
In 2013, Sergey Guriyev noted the end of the world economic crisis and recovery period.
2013: US Cancels Summit After Snowden Asylum
In late 2013, Russian-American relations deteriorated further when the United States canceled a summit for the first time since 1960 after Putin granted asylum to Edward Snowden, who had leaked classified information from the NSA.
2013: Putin Remarks on Special Relationship with China
On the eve of a 2013 state visit to Moscow by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Putin remarked that the two nations were forging a special relationship, and Xi visited the Operational Command Headquarters of the Russian Armed Forces.
March 2014: Russian Annexation of Crimea
Following the Revolution of Dignity in March 2014, the Russian Federation annexed Crimea, with Putin stating it was because "Crimea has always been and remains an inseparable part of Russia."
March 2014: Putin Cites Kosovo Precedent for Crimea Recognition
In March 2014, Putin used Kosovo's declaration of independence as a justification for recognizing the independence of Crimea, citing the so-called "Kosovo independence precedent".
April 2014: Kremlin Confirms Putin's Divorce Finalized
On April 1, 2014, the Kremlin confirmed that Vladimir Putin's divorce from Lyudmila had been finalized.
August 2014: Putin's Approval Rating Climbs to 87%
In August 2014, amid increased diplomatic isolation and international sanctions due to the Russo-Ukrainian war, Vladimir Putin's approval rating reached 87%.
August 2014: Putin's statement on Russian and Ukrainian Peoples
In late August 2014, Putin stated: "People who have their own views on history and the history of our country may argue with me, but it seems to me that the Russian and Ukrainian peoples are practically one people."
2014: Death of Putin's Dog, Konni
In 2014, Konni, one of the dogs given to Vladimir Putin by various national leaders, died.
2014: Natural Gas Supply Deal with China
In 2014, Putin signed a deal to supply China with 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year.
2014: Annexation of Crimea
In 2014, Putin's tenure included the controversial annexation of Crimea, marking a significant foreign policy action.
2014: Russia writes off Uzbek debt
In 2014, Russia agreed to write off Uzbek debt, strengthening ties between the two countries.
2014: 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympics Hosted by Russia
In 2014, Russia hosted the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Sochi, marking the first time the country held the Winter Olympic Games.
2014: Russia Suspended from G8
In 2014, Russia was suspended from the G8 group as a result of its annexation of Crimea. Putin criticized the United States, accusing them of destabilizing world order.
2014: Putin Rewarded Eighth-Degree Karate Black Belt
In 2014, Vladimir Putin was rewarded an eighth-degree karate black belt.
2014: Henry Kissinger Writes That the West Has Demonized Putin
In 2014, former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger wrote that the West has demonized Vladimir Putin.
2014: Putin Named Person of the Year by OCCRP
In 2014, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project named Putin their Person of the Year for furthering corruption and organized crime.
2014: Russian Ruble Collapse and Financial Crisis
The ongoing financial crisis began in the second half of 2014 when the Russian ruble collapsed due to a decline in the price of oil and international sanctions against Russia.
January 2015: Establishment of the Eurasian Union
On January 1, 2015, the Eurasian Union was formally established, furthering Eurasian integration policies.
June 2015: Putin's Approval Rating Reaches All-Time High of 89%
In June 2015, Vladimir Putin's approval rating climbed to 89%, an all-time high.
December 2015: Putin's Statement on Ukrainian Culture and Literature
In late December 2015, after making a similar statement, Putin stated: "the Ukrainian culture, as well as Ukrainian literature, surely has a source of its own".
2015: Putin Takes Stronger Pro-Assad Stance
In 2015, Vladimir Putin adopted a stronger pro-Assad stance and mobilized military support for the Syrian regime. This action increased Russia's influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, including strengthening control over the Tartus Naval Base and operating the Khmeimim Air Base.
2015: Putin Tops Time's Most Influential People List
In 2015, Vladimir Putin was ranked No. 1 on Time's Most Influential People List.
2015: Reported Birth of Putin's Daughter with Kabaeva (Denied)
In 2015, it was reported that Alina Kabaeva gave birth to a daughter by Vladimir Putin; however, this report was denied.
2015: Larry Diamond States Russia Not Considered a Democracy
In 2015, political scientist Larry Diamond stated that "no serious scholar would consider Russia today a democracy" under Vladimir Putin.
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: Owen report published
On January 21, 2016, the Owen report was published, stating that the FSB operation to kill Mr. Litvinenko was probably approved by Mr. Patrushev and also by President Putin.
April 2016: Panama Papers Leak
In April 2016, 11 million documents from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca were leaked. While Putin's name didn't appear, reports linked his associates to offshore companies worth US$2 billion. The Süddeutsche Zeitung suggested Putin's family could be profiting from this money.
November 2016: Putin Congratulates Donald Trump
In November 2016, Putin congratulated Donald Trump on becoming the 45th president of the United States.
December 2016: US Intelligence Accuses Putin of Election Interference
In December 2016, US intelligence officials stated that Putin approved email hacking and cyber attacks during the U.S. election against Hillary Clinton. Putin's spokesman denied the reports, and Clinton accused Putin of having a personal grudge against her.
2016: Increase in Income Under Putin Administration
From 2000 to 2016, under the Putin administration, there was a 4.5-fold increase in income in USD terms, fueled by the 2000s commodities boom including record-high oil prices.
2016: Forbes Ranks Putin World's Most Powerful Individual
In 2016, Forbes ranked Vladimir Putin the World's Most Powerful Individual.
2016: Legislation Prohibiting Missionary Activity Passed
In 2016, Putin oversaw the passage of legislation that prohibited missionary activity in Russia.
2016: Praise from World Jewish Congress President
In 2016, Ronald S. Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress, praised Putin for making Russia "a country where Jews are welcome".
2016: Alexei Navalny Calls Putin the "Tsar of Corruption"
In 2016, opposition activist and blogger Alexei Navalny described Vladimir Putin as the "Tsar of corruption".
2016: Boosted Relations with the Philippines
In 2016, relations between Russia and the Philippines received a boost as Putin forged closer bilateral ties with his Filipino counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte.
January 2017: US-Russian Relations Deteriorate Further
After Trump took office in January 2017, Putin stated that U.S.–Russian relations, already at the lowest level since the end of the Cold War, continued to deteriorate.
2017: Publication of Red Hangover: Legacies of Twentieth-Century Communism
In 2017, Kristen Ghodsee's book 'Red Hangover: Legacies of Twentieth-Century Communism' argued that Western powers' triumphalism after the Cold War and focus on linking leftist ideals to Stalinism allowed neoliberalism to rise. According to the book, this undermined democratic institutions and reforms, leading to economic misery, unemployment, hopelessness, and inequality in the former Eastern Bloc, including Russia, which fueled Putin's right-wing nationalism.
2017: Newsweek reports 67% held Putin personally responsible for high-level corruption
In 2017, Newsweek reported that a poll indicated that 67% held Vladimir Putin personally responsible for high-level corruption.
2017: Putin Criticizes Violence in Myanmar
In 2017, Putin criticized violence in Myanmar against the Rohingya minorities.
2017: Putin dispatches Russian PMCs to Central African Republic
In 2017, Vladimir Putin dispatched Russian PMCs to back the Touadéra regime in the Central African Republic Civil War, gaining a permanent military presence in return.
2017: Birth of Putin's Grandson through Maria and Granddaughter through Katerina
In 2017, Vladimir Putin had another grandson born through Maria and a granddaughter born through Katerina.
March 2018: Skripal Poisoning and Accusations
In March 2018, former double agent Sergei Skripal was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury. The British government accused the Russian state of attempted murder, a charge denied by Russia. Boris Johnson stated it was "overwhelmingly likely" Putin had ordered the poisoning, which was called "shocking" by Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
October 2018: Majority of Russians Agree Putin Bears Responsibility for Country's Problems
In October 2018, a survey revealed that two-thirds of Russians agreed that Vladimir Putin bears full responsibility for the problems of the country, attributed to declining belief in "good tsar and bad boyars".
2018: Forbes Describes Putin's Actions as Those of a Dictator
Following the jailing of Alexei Navalny in 2018, Forbes wrote that Vladimir Putin's actions are those of a dictator who can only remain in power through force and repression.
2018: Forbes Ranks Putin Second Most Powerful Individual
In 2018, Forbes ranked Vladimir Putin the second most powerful individual.
2018: Re-elected as President
In 2018, Vladimir Putin was reelected as President of Russia.
2018: Allegation of Sensory Room Installation
In 2018, the Russian political magazine Sobesednik alleged that Vladimir Putin had a sensory room installed in his private residence in the Novgorod Oblast.
January 2019: Russians Trust in Putin Hits Historic Low
In January 2019, the percentage of Russians trusting Vladimir Putin hit a then-historic low of 33%.
September 2019: Friendship treaty with Mongolia
In September 2019, Putin and his Mongolian counterpart signed a permanent treaty on friendship between the two states, further enhancing trade and cultural exchanges.
October 2019: Putin Visits the United Arab Emirates and Strikes Agreements
In October 2019, Vladimir Putin visited the United Arab Emirates and secured six agreements with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, including shared investments between Russian and Emirati investment funds. Deals worth over $1.3 billion were signed in the energy, health, and advanced technology sectors.
2019: Reported Birth of Twin Sons by Putin and Kabaeva
In 2019, Kabaeva reportedly gave birth to twin sons by Putin.
2019: Launch of Power of Siberia Project
In 2019, Power of Siberia, which Putin has called the "world's biggest construction project", was launched and is expected to continue for 30 years at an ultimate cost to China of $400bn.
2019: Russia Joined the Paris Agreement
In 2019, Russia joined the Paris Agreement.
May 2020: Putin's Approval Rating Amid COVID Crisis
In May 2020, amid the COVID-19 crisis, Vladimir Putin's approval rating was 68% when respondents were presented with a list of names and 27% when respondents were expected to name politicians they trust.
June 2020: Number of Political Prisoners in Russia
As of June 2020, per the Memorial Human Rights Center, there were 380 political prisoners in Russia.
June 2020: Putin's Essay on World War II Anniversary
On 18 June 2020, The National Interest published an essay by Putin, titled "The Real Lessons of the 75th Anniversary of World War II", where he criticizes the Western historical view of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact.
September 2020: UAC to Receive Largest-Ever Government Support
In September 2020, the UAC general director announced that the UAC will receive the largest-ever post-Soviet government support package for the aircraft industry in order to pay and renegotiate the debt.
November 2020: Proekt Alleges Putin has Another Daughter
In November 2020, an investigation by Proekt alleged that Vladimir Putin has another daughter, Elizaveta, also known as Luiza Rozova, who was born in March 2003, with Svetlana Krivonogikh.
2020: Putin Praises Bolsonaro
In 2020, Putin praised Jair Bolsonaro for his masculine qualities and focus on the interests of his people and country.
2020: Law on Labelling Individuals and Organizations as "Foreign Agents"
In 2020, Putin signed a law on labelling individuals and organizations receiving funding from abroad as "foreign agents".
2020: Putin's stance on abortion
In 2020, Putin supported efforts to reduce the number of abortions instead of prohibiting it.
2020: Support for Constitutional Amendment Defining Marriage
In 2020, Putin supported the Russian constitutional referendum, which passed and defined marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman in the Constitution of Russia.
2020: Abe's Resignation
In 2020, despite numerous meetings between Putin and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, no agreement was signed regarding the Japan-Russia territorial disputes before Abe's resignation.
2020: Belton's Allegations of KGB Support for RAF
In 2020, journalist Catherine Belton wrote that the downplaying of Putin's work in Dresden was actually a cover for Putin's involvement in KGB coordination and support for the terrorist Red Army Faction (RAF).
2020: Amendment to the Constitution of Russia
One of the 2020 amendments to the Constitution of Russia directly refers to belief in God.
January 2021: Navalny Accuses Putin of Building Estate with Fraudulent Funds
On January 19, 2021, two days after Alexei Navalny was detained by Russian authorities upon his return to Russia, a video investigation by him and the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) was published. The report accused Vladimir Putin of using fraudulently obtained funds to build an estate for himself, calling it "the world's biggest bribe." Navalny stated the estate is 39 times the size of Monaco and cost over 100 billion rubles ($1.35 billion) to construct.
April 2021: Signed constitutional amendments into law
In April 2021, Vladimir Putin signed constitutional amendments into law, potentially extending his presidency to 2036.
July 2021: Publication of "On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians"
In July 2021, Putin published a lengthy article "On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians," and stated the formation of a Ukrainian state hostile to Moscow was comparable to weapons of mass destruction. It was made mandatory reading for military-political training in the Russian Armed Forces.
November 2021: The Economist Notes Putin Has Shifted from Autocracy to Dictatorship
In November 2021, The Economist noted that Vladimir Putin had "shifted from autocracy to dictatorship".
November 2021: Burns had a Personal Meeting with Putin
In November 2021, William Burns had a personal meeting with Vladimir Putin. Burns had previously been U.S. ambassador to Russia, and had personally observed Putin for over two decades
February 2022: Launched full-scale invasion of Ukraine
In February 2022, during his fourth presidential term, Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading to international condemnation and sanctions.
February 2022: Survey Shows Support for "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine
In late February 2022, a survey by Russian Field found that 59% of respondents supported the "special military operation" in Ukraine. Later polls obtained by Radio Liberty indicated 71% support among Russians.
March 2022: Putin Removed from IJF Positions
In March 2022, Vladimir Putin was removed from all positions in the International Judo Federation (IJF) due to the Russo-Ukrainian war.
March 2022: Putin's Approval Rating Jumps in Russia Amid War Censorship Laws
In March 2022, Vladimir Putin's approval rating in Russia jumped from 71% in February to 83%. Experts cautioned that the figures may not accurately reflect public mood due to war censorship laws and fear of negative consequences.
April 2022: The Sun Asserts Putin May Have Parkinson's Disease
In April 2022, London tabloid newspaper The Sun asserted that based on video footage Vladimir Putin may have Parkinson's disease, although the Kremlin and outside medical professionals rejected this possibility.
July 2022: CIA Director States No Evidence Suggests Putin is Unstable
In July 2022, the director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, William Burns, stated they had no evidence to suggest Vladimir Putin was unstable or in bad health. The statement was made because of increasing unconfirmed media speculation about Putin's health.
September 2022: Announced partial mobilization and annexed Ukrainian oblasts
In September 2022, Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization and forcibly annexed four Ukrainian oblasts into Russia.
2022: Revocation of Honorary Doctorates After Invasion of Ukraine
Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, some organizations revoked honorary doctorates and other awards previously given to Vladimir Putin.
2022: Swiss Media Report Kabaeva Gave Birth to Boys
In 2022, Swiss media, citing the couple's Swiss gynecologist, wrote that Kabaeva gave birth to a boy on both occasions she had children.
2022: Condemnation of Putin Following Civilian Casualties in Ukraine
In 2022, following civilian casualties during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden called Putin a war criminal and a "murderous dictator." During the State of the Union Address that same year, Biden stated that Putin had "badly miscalculated." Sergiy Kyslytsya, the Ukrainian envoy to the United Nations, compared Putin to Adolf Hitler, as did Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins.
2022: Anna Borshchevskaya Summarizes Putin's Foreign Policy
In her 2022 book, Anna Borshchevskaya summarized Putin's main foreign policy objectives from his 1999 document, highlighting Russia's unique values and anti-Western security narratives.
2022: Putin's View of Himself Following Ukraine Invasion
Since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, Putin and his circle began promoting the idea in Russian media that they are the modern-day version of the 17th-century Romanov tsars who ended Russia's "Time of Troubles", meaning they claim to be the peacemakers and stabilizers after the fall of the Soviet Union.
February 2023: Russia Suspends Participation in New START Treaty
On 21 February 2023, Putin suspended Russia's participation in the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty with the United States.
March 2023: International Criminal Court issued arrest warrant
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin for war crimes related to illegal child abductions during the war.
September 2023: VTsIOM Pollster Reports Low Active Support for War in Russia
In September 2023, VTsIOM state pollster Valery Fyodorov stated that only 10–15% of Russians actively supported the war in Ukraine, and most did not demand the conquest of Kyiv or Odesa.
November 2023: Putin Urges Russian Women to Have More Children
In November 2023, Putin urged Russian women to have "seven, eight, or even more children" and stated that "large families must become the norm" during a speech to the World Russian People's Council.
2023: Planned Increase in Defense and Security Expenditures
By the end of 2023, Putin planned to spend almost 40% of public expenditures on defense and security.
2023: Der Spiegel Investigation
In 2023, an investigation by Der Spiegel reported that the anonymous source claiming Putin's involvement with the RAF had never been an RAF member and is "considered a notorious fabulist".
2023: Putin's Tribute to Berlusconi
Upon the death of Silvio Berlusconi in 2023, Putin described him as an "extraordinary man" and a "true friend".
February 2024: Putin's Interview with Tucker Carlson
In February 2024, since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, Putin granted an interview to Western journalist Tucker Carlson, marking a rare instance of such engagement.
March 2024: Re-elected to another term
In March 2024, Vladimir Putin was re-elected to another term as president.
August 2024: Putin Pardons Gershkovich and Others in Prisoner Swap
In August 2024, Putin pardoned American journalist Evan Gershkovich, opposition figures Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin, and others in a prisoner swap with Western countries, marking the most extensive exchange since the end of the Cold War.
2024: Putin Achieves 88% of Popular Vote in Russian Presidential Election
In 2024, Vladimir Putin achieved 88% of the popular vote in the Russian presidential election, running under an independent banner. Reports of irregularities, including ballot stuffing and coercion, surfaced during the election. Russian authorities claimed Putin won 88.12% and 92.83% of votes in occupied areas of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, respectively, and 98.99% of the vote in Chechnya.
March 2025: Franklin Foer Declares the 21st Century as the "Age of Vladimir Putin"
In March 2025, Franklin Foer of The Atlantic proclaimed the 21st century as the "Age of Vladimir Putin".
2035: Russia's Energy Strategy to 2035
Russia's energy strategy to 2035 is mostly about burning more fossil fuels.
2036: Potential End of Extended Presidency
Vladimir Putin may potentially extend his presidency to 2036 due to a constitutional amendment.
2060: Russia's Goal to Reach Net Zero
Russia's goal is to reach net zero by 2060.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Tucker Carlson is an American conservative political activist and commentator...
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is a prominent American politician lawyer...
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe the second-largest on...
George W Bush the rd U S President - is...
Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu is an Israeli politician and diplomat currently...
Trending
28 minutes ago Colin Rea shines, emerging as Cubs' unsung hero amidst Phillies baseball game.
28 minutes ago Toumani Camara's Key Role with Trail Blazers Highlighted in Spurs Game 3
29 minutes ago Matt McLain hits home run, steals base, contributing to team win.
29 minutes ago Damian Lillard's Potential Playoff Return: Will He Rewrite the Blazers' Story?
29 minutes ago Donovan Clingan Talks Playoffs Series, Performance, and Delivers a Powerful Slam Dunk
1 hour ago Marcus Smart shines as Lakers dominate Rockets; LeBron praises ex-Celtics guard.
Popular
Kashyap Pramod Patel known as Kash Patel is an American...
William Franklin Graham III known as Franklin Graham is an...
Lindsey Graham is an American politician and attorney who has...
Paula White-Cain is a prominent American televangelist and key figure...
Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop was a highly...
George Soros is a Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist with a...