History of Vladimir Putin in Timeline

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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.

1960: US cancels summit

In 2013, the United States canceled a summit for the first time since 1960 after Putin gave asylum to American Edward Snowden, who had leaked massive amounts of classified information from the NSA.

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.

1972: Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty

The U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, following Putin's support of the U.S. in the War on Terror after the 9/11 attacks.

1973: United Nations Security Council Resolution

In 2011, Putin criticized the NATO-led military intervention in Libya, calling United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 "defective and flawed".

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.

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.

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.

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.

July 2000: Visit to North Korea

In July 2000, Putin became the first Russian or Soviet leader to visit North Korea, meeting Kim Jong Il.

October 2000: Declaration on Strategic Partnership with India

In October 2000, the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia was signed, marking a historic step in their relationship.

2001: Putin's relationship with George W. Bush after 9/11

After the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Putin had good relations with American president George W. Bush, and many western European leaders.

2001: Russian Territorial Extension Claim

In 2001, Russia made a territorial extension claim, part of which was the Russian expedition Arktika 2007.

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.

2003: Russia opposes Iraq War

In 2003, Russia strongly opposed the U.S. when it waged the Iraq War, marking a growing distance between Putin and the West and a deterioration in relations.

2003: Deterioration of relations with the UK

In 2003, relations between Russia and the United Kingdom deteriorated when the United Kingdom granted political asylum to Putin's former patron, oligarch Boris Berezovsky.

2003: Rose Revolution in Georgia

In 2003, the Rose Revolution in Georgia led to frictions in the relations of those countries with Russia.

2003: Putin's favorability in the U.S.

In February 2017, a Gallup poll revealed a positive view of Putin among 22% of Americans, the highest since 2003.

December 2004: Criticism of Rose and Orange Revolutions

In December 2004, Putin criticized the Rose and Orange revolutions, saying that permanent revolutions risk plunging the post-Soviet space into endless conflict.

2005: Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan

In 2005, the Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan led to frictions in the relations of those countries with Russia.

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.

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.

June 2007: Putin's counterproposal to U.S. missile shield

On June 7, 2007, Putin presented President George W. Bush with a counterproposal regarding the U.S. missile shield in Europe, which was declined.

August 2007: Russian Expedition Arktika 2007

In August 2007, the Russian expedition Arktika 2007 planted a flag on the seabed at the North Pole as part of research related to Russia's territorial extension claim.

December 2007: Russia suspends participation in Conventional Forces in Europe treaty

On December 11, 2007, Russia suspended its participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty.

2007: First Russian Leader visit to Indonesia

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: Successful Sochi Olympics Bid

In 2007, Putin led a successful effort on behalf of Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2014 Winter Paralympics, the first Winter Olympic Games to ever be hosted by Russia.

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.

February 2008: Putin opposes Kosovo's declaration of independence

In February 2008, Putin opposed Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia, warning of destabilization in international relations.

August 2008: The 2008 South Ossetia War

In August 2008, Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili attempted to restore control over the breakaway South Ossetia. However, the Georgian military was soon defeated in the resulting 2008 South Ossetia War after regular Russian forces entered South Ossetia and then other parts of Georgia, then also opened a second front in the other Georgian breakaway province of Abkhazia with Abkhazian forces.

2008: Alleged Declaration on Annexing Ukrainian East and Crimea

In 2008, Putin allegedly declared at a NATO-Russia summit that if Ukraine joined NATO, Russia could contend to annex the Ukrainian East and Crimea.

2008: Kazan Wins Bid for Summer Universiade

In 2008, the city of Kazan won the bid for the 2013 Summer Universiade.

2009: Hillary Clinton served as U.S. secretary of state

From 2009 to 2013, Hillary Clinton served as U.S. secretary of state.

December 2010: Russia Wins Right to Host FIFA Confederations Cup and World Cup

On December 2, 2010, Russia won the right to host the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time these events would be held in Russian history.

November 2011: Berlusconi's resignation

Even after Silvio Berlusconi's resignation in November 2011, Putin continued to organize bilateral meetings with him, the two leaders often described their relationship as a close friendship.

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.

2011: Russia Boosts Relations with Vietnam

After 2011, Russia has boosted relations with Vietnam.

2011: Putin criticizes NATO intervention in Libya

In 2011, Putin criticized the NATO-led military intervention in Libya, calling United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 "defective and flawed".

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: Patriarch Kirill Endorsed Putin's Election

In 2012, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, endorsed Putin's election, stating Putin's terms were like "a miracle of God".

2012: Putin's Article in The Hindu

In 2012, Putin wrote an article in Indian newspaper The Hindu, saying the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia was a truly historic step.

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: Founding of Izborsky Club

In 2012, the Izborsky Club was founded by conservative journalist Alexander Prokhanov, emphasizing Russian nationalism, the restoration of Russia's historical greatness, and systematic opposition to liberal ideas and policies.

2012: Adoption of "Foreign Agent" Legislation

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

2013: Hillary Clinton served as U.S. secretary of state

From 2009 to 2013, Hillary Clinton served as U.S. secretary of state.

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 terms of freedom of the press, criticizing the crackdown on political opposition and the failure to bring to justice criminals who have murdered journalists.

2013: U.S. cancels summit after Putin grants asylum to Edward Snowden

In late 2013, Russian-American relations deteriorated further when the United States canceled a summit after Putin gave asylum to American Edward Snowden, who had leaked classified information from the NSA.

February 2014: Ousting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych

After the Russian annexation of Crimea, he said that Ukraine includes "regions of Russia's historic south" and that the February 2014 ousting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych had been orchestrated by the West as an attempt to weaken Russia.

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.

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.

2014: Russia suspended from G8

In 2014, Russia was suspended from the G8 group as a result of its annexation of Crimea.

2014: Sochi Winter Olympics and Paralympics

In 2014, the Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2014 Winter Paralympics were held, marking the first time Russia hosted the Winter Olympic Games.

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.

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".

November 2016: Putin congratulates Donald Trump

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

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.

2016: Boost in relations between Russia and 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: Deterioration of U.S.–Russian relations after Trump took office

Putin stated that U.S.–Russian relations, already at the lowest level since the end of the Cold War, have continued to deteriorate after Trump took office in January 2017.

February 2017: Putin's favorability in the U.S. increases

In February 2017, a Gallup poll revealed a positive view of Putin among 22% of Americans, the highest since 2003.

2017: Criticism of Violence in Myanmar

In 2017, Putin criticized violence in Myanmar against Rohingya minorities.

2017: Russia to host FIFA Confederations Cup

In 2017, Russia hosted FIFA Confederations Cup.

December 2018: Autocephaly of Ukrainian Orthodox Church

With the attainment of autocephaly by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in December 2018 and subsequent schism of the Russian Orthodox Church from Constantinople, a number of experts came to the conclusion that Putin's policy of forceful engagement in post-Soviet republics significantly backfired on him.

2018: Russia to host FIFA World Cup

In 2018, Russia hosted FIFA World Cup.

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.

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: Abe's Resignation

Despite numerous meetings between Putin and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, no agreement was signed regarding the Japan-Russia territorial disputes before Abe's resignation in 2020.

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.

2020: Efforts to Reduce Abortions

In 2020, Putin supported efforts to reduce the number of abortions instead of prohibiting it.

2020: Support for Constitutional Referendum Defining Marriage

In 2020, Putin supported the Russian constitutional referendum, which defined marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman in the Constitution of Russia.

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.

2021: Pledge to Boost Ties with Myanmar Military Regime

Following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, Russia has pledged to boost ties with the Myanmar military regime.

October 2022: Putin's Description of India and China as Allies

In October 2022, Putin described India and China as "close allies and partners".

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 popularity in the United Kingdom

A survey conducted in the United Kingdom in 2022 found Putin to be among the least popular foreign leaders, with 8% of British respondents holding a positive opinion.

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.

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".

2022: Invasion of Ukraine

Since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, Putin has only once granted an interview to a Western journalist, namely Tucker Carlson in February 2024.

February 2023: Russia suspends participation in New START treaty

On February 21, 2023, Putin suspended Russia's participation in the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty with the United States.

November 2023: Putin's Speech to the World Russian People's Council

On 28 November 2023, during a speech to the World Russian People's Council, Putin urged Russian women to have "seven, eight, or even more children" and said "large families must become the norm, a way of life for all of Russia's people".

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.

2023: Putin's description of Berlusconi after his death

When Berlusconi died in 2023, Putin described him as an "extraordinary man" and a "true friend".

February 2024: Interview with Tucker Carlson

Since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, Putin has only once granted an interview to a Western journalist, namely Tucker Carlson in February 2024.

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".