History of Vladimir Putin in Timeline
Vladimir Putin is a Russian politician, the current President of Russia (since 2012), and previously held the office from 2000 to 2008. He also served as Prime Minister of Russia (1999-2000 and 2008-2012) and is considered the de facto leader of Russia since 1999/2000. Putin's leadership has significantly shaped Russia's domestic and foreign policy over the past two decades.
1940: Birth of brother Viktor
In 1940, Viktor Putin, Vladimir Putin's brother, was born.
1941: Grandmother killed by German Occupiers
In 1941, Vladimir Putin's maternal grandmother was killed by German occupiers of Tver region.
1942: Death of brother Viktor
In 1942, Viktor Putin, Vladimir Putin's brother, died of diphtheria and starvation during the Siege of Leningrad.
1942: Father Wounded in War
In 1942, Vladimir Putin's father was severely wounded while serving in the regular army during the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union.
1943: Tehran Conference
In 1943, Joseph Stalin participated in the Tehran Conference. This event is being mentioned because it was the last time a Soviet or Russian leader visited Iran before Putin's visit in October 2007.
October 1952: Birth
In October 1952, Vladimir Putin was born in Leningrad, Soviet Union.
October 1952: Birth of Vladimir Putin
In October 1952, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin was born. He is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer.
September 1960: Started School
In September 1960, Vladimir Putin started at School No. 193 at Baskov Lane.
1970: Studied Law at Leningrad State University
In 1970, Vladimir Putin studied law at the Leningrad State University.
1975: Graduation from Leningrad State University
In 1975, Vladimir Putin graduated from Leningrad State University.
1975: Joined KGB
In 1975, Vladimir Putin joined the KGB and trained at the 401st KGB School in Okhta, Leningrad.
1978: Strategic Planning and Policy Book
In 1978, King and Cleland's Strategic Planning and Policy was published. Putin allegedly copied entire paragraphs from its Russian-language edition in his thesis.
July 1983: Putin Marries Lyudmila Shkrebneva
On 28 July 1983, Putin married Lyudmila Shkrebneva, marking the beginning of their marriage.
September 1984: Further Training in Moscow
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 28 April 1985, Putin's daughter, Maria Putina, was born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), expanding his family.
1985: Served in Dresden
From 1985, Vladimir Putin served in Dresden, East Germany, using a cover identity as a translator.
August 1986: Birth of Yekaterina Putina
On 31 August 1986, Putin's daughter, Yekaterina Putina, was born in Dresden, East Germany, further expanding his family.
November 1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall
During the fall of the Berlin Wall that began on November 9, 1989, Vladimir Putin saved the files of the Soviet Cultural Center and of the KGB villa in Dresden.
1989: Confrontations with Anti-Communist Protestors
In 1989, Vladimir Putin recounted his confrontations with anti-communist protestors in Dresden.
1989: Freedom House references 1989 low point
In 2004, Freedom House made reference to the low point in Russia's "retreat from freedom" not registered since 1989, when the country was part of the Soviet Union.
May 1990: Advisor on International Affairs
In May 1990, Vladimir Putin was appointed as an advisor on international affairs to Mayor Anatoly Sobchak.
1990: End of Service in Dresden
In 1990, Vladimir Putin's service in Dresden, East Germany, concluded.
1990: The West did not rush to exploit collapsing Soviet Union
In 1990, Western nations did not rush in after 1990 to exploit a proud but collapsing Soviet Union, and never was the idea of humbling Russia considered even for a moment.
1990: Return to Leningrad
In early 1990, Vladimir Putin returned to Leningrad as a member of the "active reserves".
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: Resignation from KGB
On August 20, 1991, Vladimir Putin said that he resigned with the rank of lieutenant colonel on the second day of the 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt against Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev.
1991: Resignation from KGB
In 1991, Vladimir Putin resigned from the KGB to begin a political career in Saint Petersburg.
1991: End of Communist Party Membership
In 1991, Vladimir Putin's membership with the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) ended when it ceased to exist.
1993: Putin's Wife Involved in Car Crash
In 1993, Vladimir Putin's wife was involved in a serious car crash, which, according to Putin, contributed to his religious awakening.
August 1996: Dacha Fire and Religious Awakening
In August 1996, a life-threatening fire burned down Vladimir Putin's dacha, which, according to Putin, marked the beginning of his religious awakening.
1996: Dacha Burns Down and Ozero Cooperative is Registered
In 1996, Putin's dacha burned down, and he built a new one identical to the original. Also in 1996, Putin and a group of friends formally registered their fraternity as a cooperative society called Ozero, turning it into a gated community.
1996: Moved to Moscow
In 1996, Vladimir Putin moved to Moscow to join the administration of President Boris Yeltsin.
1996: Retained Position Until 1996
In 1996, Vladimir Putin retained his position as head of the Committee for External Relations of the Saint Petersburg Mayor's Office.
1997: Received Degree in Economics
In 1997, Vladimir Putin received a degree in economics at the Saint Petersburg Mining University.
1997: Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff
In 1997, Vladimir Putin was appointed as deputy chief of the Presidential Staff.
1998: Director of FSB
In 1998, President Boris Yeltsin appointed Vladimir Putin director of the FSB.
August 1999: Appointed Prime Minister
In August 1999, Vladimir Putin was appointed prime minister.
December 1999: "Russia at the Turn of the Millennium" document
On December 30, 1999, a document titled "Russia at the Turn of the Millennium" appeared on the government's website, outlining Putin's main foreign policy objectives.
1999: Prime Minister of Russia
In 1999, Vladimir Putin served as Prime Minister of Russia.
1999: Systematic punishment of journalists
Since 1999, Vladimir Putin has allegedly systematically punished journalists who challenge his official point of view.
March 2000: Won Presidential Election
In March 2000, Vladimir Putin won the presidential election.
May 2000: Putin's visit to Tashkent
In May 2000, Putin visited Tashkent, Uzbekistan, signaling improved relations after a period of distance under Yeltsin and Islam Karimov.
May 2000: Elected President
In May 2000, Vladimir Putin was elected to his first term as president.
May 2000: Creation of Federal Districts
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: Inauguration as President
On May 7, 2000, Vladimir Putin was inaugurated as President.
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 shortly after a visit to South Korea.
July 2000: Putin Gains Right to Dismiss Federal Subject Heads
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: 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: Presidential Election Campaign Management
In 2000, Vladimir Litvinenko managed Vladimir Putin's presidential election campaign in St Petersburg.
2000: Co-Authors Book 'Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin'
In 2000, Vladimir Putin co-authored a book titled "Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin" in Russian.
2000: First Presidential Term
In 2000, Vladimir Putin served as President of Russia.
2000: Putin's Low Approval Rating
In January 2013, at the time of the 2011–2013 Russian protests, Putin's rating fell to 62%, the lowest since 2000.
2000: Putin elected as President of Russia
Since 2000, Vladimir Putin has been nominated and elected as President of Russia, typically under an independent banner.
2001: Vladimir Putin Receives Civilian Honors
Since 2001, Vladimir Putin has received civilian honors from at least fifteen countries.
2002: Habsburg Criticizes Putin
In 2002, Otto von Habsburg, an early critic of Putin, warned of Putin as an "international threat" in a newspaper interview.
March 2003: Alleged birth of Putin's daughter Elizaveta
In March 2003, Elizaveta, also known as Luiza Rozova, was allegedly born, further expanding Putin's family. Elizaveta studied in Paris under the name Elizaveta Olegovna Rudnova.
2003: Habsburg Criticizes Putin
In 2003, Otto von Habsburg, criticized Putin as "cruel and oppressive" in a speech, highlighting growing concerns about his leadership.
2003: UK grants asylum to Boris Berezovsky
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 Georgia with Russia.
December 2004: Criticism of Rose and Orange revolutions
In December 2004, Putin criticized the Rose and Orange revolutions, saying: "If you have permanent revolutions you risk 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", highlighting concerns about democratic backsliding.
2004: Signing of the Kyoto Protocol Treaty
In 2004, Putin signed the Kyoto Protocol treaty designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2004: Presidential Election Campaign Management
In 2004, Vladimir Litvinenko managed Vladimir Putin's presidential election campaigns in St Petersburg.
2004: Co-Authors Book 'Judo: History, Theory, Practice'
In 2004, Vladimir Putin co-authored a book titled "Judo: History, Theory, Practice" in English.
2004: Re-elected President
In 2004, Vladimir Putin was re-elected as president.
2005: Repayment of Soviet Union's Debts
A fund for oil revenue allowed Russia to repay the Soviet Union's debts by 2005.
2005: Freedom House lists Russia as "not free"
In 2005, Freedom House listed Russia as "not free", indicating a decline in democratic freedoms during Putin's tenure.
2005: Habsburg Criticizes Putin
In 2005, Otto von Habsburg, warned of Putin as a "stone cold technocrat" in a speech, continuing his critique of Putin's leadership style.
2005: Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan
In 2005, the Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan led to frictions in the relations of Kyrgyzstan with Russia.
2006: Putin kisses boy's stomach
In 2006, Putin kissed a boy's stomach after lifting his shirt, which, while considered transgressive by some standards, did not provoke significant outrage in Russia.
2006: Launch of 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's Reported Income
Putin's reported 2006 income totaled 2 million rubles (approximately $152,000), according to official figures.
2006: Death of Alexander Litvinenko
The end of 2006 brought strained relations in the wake of 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 the systems of international law.
February 2007: Putin criticizes U.S. dominance in Munich Speech
In February 2007, Putin delivered the Munich Speech, criticizing the United States' "monopolistic dominance" in global relations and the "almost uncontained hyper use of force in international relations".
May 2007: Act of Canonical Communion with the Moscow Patriarchate
As president, Putin took an active personal part in promoting the Act of Canonical Communion with the Moscow Patriarchate, signed 17 May 2007, which restored relations between the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia after the 80-year schism.
June 2007: Putin's High Approval Rating
In a June 2007 public opinion survey, Putin's approval rating was 81%, the second-highest of any leader in the world that year.
June 2007: Putin proposes counterproposal to U.S. missile shield
On June 7, 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 Plants Flag on North Pole Seafloor
In August 2007, 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.
September 2007: Putin visits Indonesia and attends APEC meeting in Australia
In September 2007, Putin visited Indonesia, becoming the first Russian leader to do so in over 50 years. Also in September 2007, he attended the APEC meeting in Sydney, Australia, where he met with Prime Minister John Howard and signed a uranium trade deal for Australia to sell uranium to Russia. This marked the first visit by a Russian president to Australia.
October 2007: Putin Visits Iran for Caspian Summit
On 16 October 2007, Putin visited Iran to participate in the Second Caspian Summit in Tehran, where he met with Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. This was the first visit of a Soviet or Russian leader to Iran since Joseph Stalin's participation in the Tehran Conference in 1943, marking a significant event in Iran–Russia relations. Putin asserted that all Caspian states have the right to develop their peaceful nuclear programs without restrictions and described Iran as a "partner," while expressing concerns over its nuclear program.
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.
December 2007: Russia suspends participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty
On December 11, 2007, Russia suspended its participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty.
2007: Komsomolskaya Pravda "Be Like Putin" Campaign
In 2007, Komsomolskaya Pravda published a photo of a shirtless Putin with the headline "Be Like Putin", contributing to his cultivated image as a virile and tough leader.
2007: 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: 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, the first Winter Olympic Games to ever be hosted by Russia.
2007: Time Person of the Year
In 2007, Putin was named Time Person of the Year, acknowledging his influence on global affairs.
2007: CIA Estimate of Putin's Wealth
In 2007, the CIA estimated Putin's wealth at $40 billion, according to Polygraph.info.
2007: Diplomatic expulsions between Russia and the UK
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. Russia expelled UK diplomats in response.
2007: Putin Discusses His Beliefs in God
In 2007, when asked whether he believes in God, Putin stated 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.
2007: Putin's Reported Wealth
Official figures released during the 2007 legislative election put 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.
April 2008: Putin Visits Libya
In April 2008, Putin became the first Russian president to visit Libya.
April 2008: Moskovsky Korrespondent reports Putin divorce and engagement
In April 2008, the Moskovsky Korrespondent reported that Putin had divorced Lyudmila and was engaged to marry Alina Kabaeva, a former rhythmic gymnast and Russian politician. The story was denied, and the newspaper was shut down shortly thereafter.
August 2008: South Ossetia War
In August 2008, Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili attempted to restore control over the breakaway South Ossetia, but 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, also opening a second front in the other Georgian breakaway province of Abkhazia with Abkhazian forces.
2008: Prime Minister under Medvedev
From 2008 to 2012, Vladimir Putin served as prime minister again under Dmitry Medvedev.
2008: Prime Minister of Russia
In 2008, Vladimir Putin served as Prime Minister of Russia.
2008: NATO-Russia summit
In 2008, at a NATO-Russia summit, Putin allegedly declared that if Ukraine joined NATO, Russia could contend to annex the Ukrainian East and Crimea. At the summit, he told U.S. President George W. Bush that "Ukraine is not even a state!".
2008: Kazan wins bid for 2013 Summer Universiade
In 2008, the city of Kazan won the bid for the 2013 Summer Universiade.
2008: Abandonment of Socio-Economic Development Program
Putin's "Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of the Russian Federation for the Period 2000–2010" was abandoned in 2008 when it was 30% complete.
2009: Putin Gifts Blancpain Watch
In 2009, Putin gave a Blancpain watch as a gift to a Siberian boy he met while on vacation, and another similar watch to a factory worker the same year.
2009: Global Economic Crisis
In 2016, public confidence in the Russian economy was low, dropping to levels rivaling the lows in 2009 at the height of the global economic crisis.
November 2011: Berlusconi's Resignation
After November 2011, Putin maintained bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi even after Berlusconi's resignation.
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: Boosting relations with Vietnam
2011: Photographs From Inside Alleged "Putin's Palace" are Leaked
In 2011 photographs, allegedly from the inside of "Putin's Palace" were leaked onto the internet, which Alexei Navalny compared to photographs from a contractor in his video investigation published in January 2021.
2011: Putin Condemns Foreign Military Intervention in Libya
In 2011, Putin condemned the foreign military intervention in Libya, calling the UN resolution "defective and flawed" and comparing it to "medieval calls for crusades". He referred to Muammar Gaddafi's death as a "planned murder" by the US.
2011: Kadyrov States Putin Saved Chechen People and Russia
Prior to 2011, Ramzan Kadyrov stated that Putin saved both the Chechen people and Russia, expressing support for Putin's leadership.
2011: Economist Intelligence Unit rates Russia as "authoritarian"
Since 2011, the Economist Intelligence Unit has rated Russia as "authoritarian", indicating a shift away from democratic governance.
2011: Russian Protests
The 2011–2013 Russian protests are being mentioned because Putin's approval rating fell to 62% in January 2013 during this time.
May 2012: Putin reelected as president, restrictive laws enacted
In May 2012, upon Vladimir Putin's reelection as president, Russia enacted many restrictive laws. These included the "foreign agents" law, the treason law, and the assembly law, which penalizes many expressions of dissent. There were also reports of inspections of non-governmental organizations, harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of political activists, and restrictions on critics.
June 2012: Putin Opposes Foreign Intervention in Syria
In June 2012, in Paris, Putin rejected French president François Hollande's call for Bashar al-Assad to step down. Putin echoed Assad's argument that anti-regime militants were responsible for much of the bloodshed. He also questioned the outcomes of previous NATO interventions.
August 2012: Critics List Putin's Residences
In August 2012, critics of Putin listed the ownership of 20 villas and palaces, nine of which were built during Putin's 12 years in power.
August 2012: Russia Joins the World Trade Organization
Russia joined the World Trade Organization in August 2012.
2012: Orthodox Church Endorsement
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: Birth of First Grandson
In 2012, Putin had his first grandson through his daughter Maria.
2012: Putin's Reported Income
In 2012, Putin reported an income of 3.6 million rubles ($270,000), as per official records.
2012: Gessen Biography
In 2012, Russian-American Masha Gessen wrote in their biography that Putin and his colleagues were reduced to collecting press clippings.
2012: Allegations Surface Regarding "Putin's Palace" Construction
In 2012, Sergei Kolesnikov told BBC's Newsnight that he was ordered to oversee the building of "Putin's Palace", alleging it was constructed on government land with state funds for Putin's private use and included three helipads and a private road guarded by Kremlin officials.
2012: Returned to the Presidency
In 2012, Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency.
2012: President of Russia
In 2012, Vladimir Putin served as President of Russia.
2012: Awarded Eighth Dan in Judo
In 2012, Vladimir Putin was awarded the eighth dan of the black belt in judo, becoming the first Russian to achieve this status.
2012: Founding of Izborsky Club
In 2012, the Izborsky Club was founded by the conservative right-wing journalist Alexander Prokhanov. The club stresses Russian nationalism, the restoration of Russia's historical greatness, and systematic opposition to liberal ideas and policies.
2012: Crackdown extends to liberal media
In 2012, the crackdown that followed Putin's return to the Kremlin extended to the liberal media, which had until then been allowed to operate fairly independently.
2012: Adoption of "foreign agent" legislation
In 2012, the initial "foreign agent" legislation was adopted in Russia.
January 2013: Putin's Approval Rating Drops
In January 2013, at the time of the 2011–2013 Russian protests, Putin's rating fell to 62%, the lowest since 2000.
June 2013: Putin and Lyudmila Announce Marriage is Over
On 6 June 2013, Putin and Lyudmila announced that their marriage was over, marking a significant change in their relationship.
September 2013: Putin Urges Caution Against US Intervention in Syria
On 11 September 2013, The New York Times published an op-ed by Putin urging caution against US intervention in Syria and criticizing American exceptionalism. Putin helped arrange for the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.
2013: Forbes' World's Most Powerful Individual
In 2013, Forbes ranked Putin as the World's Most Powerful Individual, recognizing his global influence.
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. The organization criticized Russia for the crackdown on the 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 for the first time since 1960 after Putin gave asylum to Edward Snowden.
February 2014: Ousting of Ukrainian President
After the Russian annexation of Crimea, Putin declared that the February 2014 ousting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych had been orchestrated by the West as an attempt to weaken Russia, further stating that the people who had come to power in Ukraine were "nationalists, neo-Nazis, Russophobes and anti-Semites".
March 2014: Annexation of Crimea
Following the Revolution of Dignity, in March 2014, the Russian Federation annexed Crimea. According to Putin, this was done because "Crimea has always been and remains an inseparable part of Russia".
March 2014: Putin cites "Kosovo independence precedent" to justify recognizing 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".
April 2014: Kremlin Confirms Putin's Divorce
On 1 April 2014, the Kremlin confirmed that Putin's divorce had been finalised, officially ending his marriage with Lyudmila.
August 2014: Putin's Approval Rating Reaches 87%
In August 2014, amid increased diplomatic isolation and international sanctions on Russian officials due to the Russo-Ukrainian war, Putin's approval rating reached 87%.
August 2014: 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: Kissinger on Demonization of Putin
In 2014, Henry Kissinger wrote that the West has demonized Putin, offering a perspective on the Western perception of the Russian leader.
2014: Death of Dog Konni
In 2014, Konni, one of the five dogs that Vladimir Putin had received from various national leaders, died.
2014: Gas Deal with China, Ruble Collapse, and Corruption Award
In 2014, Putin signed a deal to supply China with 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. Also in 2014, the Russian ruble collapsed due to a decline in the price of oil and international sanctions against Russia. Finally, in 2014, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project named Putin their Person of the Year for furthering corruption and organized crime.
2014: Russia writes off Uzbek debt
In 2014, Russia agreed to write off Uzbek debt in a meeting between the two countries.
2014: Russia suspended from the G8 group
In 2014, Russia was suspended from the G8 group as a result of its annexation of Crimea.
2014: Sochi Winter Olympics
In 2014, Sochi hosted the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the first time Russia hosted the Winter Olympic Games.
2014: Annexation of Crimea
In 2014, Vladimir Putin oversaw the controversial annexation of Crimea.
2014: Rewarded Eighth-Degree Karate Black Belt
In 2014, Vladimir Putin was rewarded an eighth-degree black belt in karate.
2014: Abbott Threatens to "Shirtfront" Putin at G20 Summit
In 2014, amid calls to ban Putin from attending the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he would "shirtfront" (challenge) the Russian leader over the shooting down of MH17 by Russian-backed rebels, which had killed 38 Australians. Putin denied responsibility for the killings.
January 2015: Eurasian Union Established
On January 1, 2015, the Eurasian Union was established, following agreements endorsed by Putin and others.
February 2015: Kornblum on democratic partnership with Russia
In February 2015, John Kornblum wrote in The Wall Street Journal, that 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
February 2015: Putin Ranked World's Most Popular Politician
In February 2015, based on domestic polling, Putin was ranked the world's most popular politician.
June 2015: Putin's Approval Rating Climbs to All-Time High
In June 2015, Putin's approval rating climbed to 89%, an all-time high. Observers attributed this to improvements in living standards and Russia's reassertion on the world scene.
December 2015: Statement on Ukrainian culture
In late December 2015 Putin stated: "the Ukrainian culture, as well as Ukrainian literature, surely has a source of its own". This was after making a similar statement in August 2014.
2015: Reported birth of Putin's daughter with Kabaeva
In 2015, Kabaeva reportedly gave birth to a daughter by Putin. This report was denied.
2015: Time's Most Influential People List
In 2015, Putin was ranked No. 1 on Time's Most Influential People List.
2015: Larry Diamond on Russian Democracy
In 2015, political scientist Larry Diamond stated that "no serious scholar would consider Russia today a democracy", reflecting widespread skepticism about Russia's democratic status.
2015: Levada Center on Russian Polls
In 2015, the director of the Levada Center stated that drawing conclusions from Russian poll results or comparing them to polls in democratic states was irrelevant due to the lack of political competition and state-controlled media influencing public opinion.
January 2016: Publication of the Owen report
On January 21, 2016, The Owen report on the death of Litvinenko stated, "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 belonging to Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca were leaked. The name of Putin does not appear in any of the records, and Putin denied his involvement with the company. However, various media have reported on three of Putin's associates on the list. According to the Panama Papers leak, close trusted associates of Putin own offshore companies worth US$2 billion in total. Süddeutsche Zeitung regards the possibility of Putin's family profiting from this money as plausible.
November 2016: Putin congratulates Donald Trump on becoming U.S. president
On November 9, 2016, Putin congratulated Donald Trump on becoming the 45th president of the United States.
December 2016: U.S. intelligence officials allege Putin approved email hacking during U.S. election
In December 2016, U.S. intelligence officials stated that Putin approved the email hacking and cyber attacks during the U.S. election against Hillary Clinton.
2016: Putin Described as 'Tsar of corruption'
In 2016, Alexei Navalny described Putin as the "Tsar of corruption", highlighting allegations of corruption within the Russian government.
2016: Forbes' World's Most Powerful Individual
In 2016, Forbes ranked Putin as the World's Most Powerful Individual, marking his continued global influence.
2016: Legislation Prohibiting Missionary Activity
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: Low Public Confidence in Russian Economy
In 2016, public confidence in the Russian economy was low, dropping to levels rivaling the lows in 2009 at the height of the global economic crisis.
2016: Boost to relations with the Philippines
In 2016, the relations between Russia and the Philippines received a boost as Putin forged closer bilateral ties with his Filipino counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte.
2016: Increase in Income Under Putin's Administration
Under the Putin administration from 2000 to 2016, an increase in income in USD terms was 4.5 times.
January 2017: Putin states U.S.-Russian relations continued to deteriorate
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 increases in the U.S.
In February 2017, a Gallup poll revealed a positive view of Putin among 22% of Americans, the highest since 2003.
2017: Publication of 'Red Hangover: Legacies of Twentieth-Century Communism'
In 2017, Kristen Ghodsee argued in her book 'Red Hangover: Legacies of Twentieth-Century Communism' that the triumphalist attitudes of Western powers at the end of the Cold War, and the fixation with linking all leftist and socialist political ideals with the horrors of Stalinism, allowed neoliberalism to fill the void, undermined democratic institutions and reforms, left a trail of economic misery, unemployment, hopelessness and rising inequality throughout the former Eastern Bloc. This includes Russia, helping fuel the rise of Putin's extremist right-wing nationalism.
2017: Poll Indicates Putin Responsible for Corruption
In 2017, Newsweek reported that a poll "indicated that 67% held Putin personally responsible for high-level corruption" in Russia.
2017: Criticism of violence in Myanmar
In 2017, Putin criticized violence in Myanmar against the Rohingya minorities.
2017: Putin Dispatches PMCs to Central African Republic
In 2017, 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 Second Grandson and Granddaughter
In 2017, Putin had a second grandson through Maria and reportedly a granddaughter through Katerina, expanding his family.
2017: Putin's Approval Rating in Vietnam
In 2017, Putin was highly popular in some non-Western countries, such as Vietnam, where his approval rating was 89%.
March 2018: Sergei Skripal poisoned with Novichok nerve agent
On March 4, 2018, former double agent Sergei Skripal was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury. Ten days later, the British government formally accused the Russian state of attempted murder.
October 2018: Russians Hold Putin Responsible for Country's Problems
In October 2018, a survey indicated that two-thirds of Russians agreed that "Putin bears full responsibility for the problems of the country", attributed to a decline in the belief of "good tsar and bad boyars".
December 2018: Autocephaly of Ukrainian Orthodox Church
In December 2018, with the attainment of autocephaly by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church 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: Forbes on Putin as a Dictator
Following the jailing of Alexei Navalny in 2018, Forbes described Putin's actions as those of a dictator, citing the use of force and repression to maintain power.
2018: Forbes' Second Most Powerful Individual
In 2018, Forbes ranked Putin as the second most powerful individual in the world.
2018: Re-elected President
In 2018, Vladimir Putin was re-elected as president.
2018: Allegations of Sensory Room Installation in Private Residence
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: Putin's Trust Rating Hits Historic Low
In January 2019, the percentage of Russians trusting Putin hit a then-historic low of 33%. Putin's approval rating among young Russians was 32%.
April 2019: Record Number of Russians Willing to Emigrate
In April 2019, a Gallup poll showed a record number of Russians, 20%, willing to permanently emigrate from Russia. The decline was even larger in the 17–25 age group, with 41% willing to emigrate permanently.
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.
2019: Russia Joins Paris Agreement
In 2019 Russia joined the Paris Agreement.
2019: Reported birth of Putin's twin sons with Kabaeva
In 2019, Kabaeva reportedly gave birth to twin sons by Putin.
2019: Launch of Power of Siberia
Power of Siberia, which Putin has called the "world's biggest construction project", was launched in 2019 and is expected to continue for 30 years at an ultimate cost to China of $400bn.
May 2020: Putin's Approval Rating Amid COVID Crisis
In May 2020, amid the COVID crisis, Putin's approval rating was 68% when respondents were presented a list of names and 27% when respondents were expected to name politicians they trust. This was attributed to continued post-Crimea economic stagnation and an apathetic response to the pandemic.
June 2020: Political prisoners in Russia
As of June 2020, there were 380 political prisoners in Russia, according to the Memorial Human Rights Center. This included individuals prosecuted for political activities and involvement with banned Muslim organizations, with a significant portion being residents of Crimea.
June 2020: Putin publishes essay on World War II
On June 18, 2020, The National Interest published an 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.
September 2020: Government Support Package for United Aircraft Corporation
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 Investigation Alleges Another Daughter
In November 2020, an investigation by Proekt alleged that Putin has another daughter, Elizaveta, also known as Luiza Rozova, born in March 2003, with Svetlana Krivonogikh.
December 2020: Low Support for Putin Among Young Russians
In December 2020, Putin's support among Russians aged 18–24 was only 20%. This indicates a generational struggle over the perception of Putin's rule.
2020: Belton Book
In 2020, Journalist Catherine Belton wrote in that the downplaying was actually a cover for Putin's involvement in KGB coordination and support for the terrorist Red Army Faction, whose members frequently hid in East Germany with the support of the Stasi.
2020: Expansion of "foreign agent" legislation
In 2020, Putin signed a law expanding the "foreign agent" legislation adopted in 2012, to include individuals and organizations receiving funding from abroad.
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 on 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: Putin Praises Bolsonaro's Masculine Qualities
In 2020, Vladimir Putin praised Jair Bolsonaro's "masculine qualities," stating that Bolsonaro prioritizes his country's interests above personal issues. Political scientist Oliver Stuenkel highlighted that Putin's anti-woke stance and strongman image appeal to Bolsonaro and Brazil's right-wing populists.
2020: Amendment to the Constitution Referring to Belief in God
One of the 2020 amendments to the Constitution of Russia directly refers to belief in God.
January 2021: Navalny Accuses Putin of Corruption in Video Investigation
On 19 January 2021, Alexei Navalny and the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) released a video investigation accusing Putin of using fraudulently obtained funds to build an estate for himself, calling it "the world's biggest bribe".
April 2021: Constitutional Amendments
In April 2021, Vladimir Putin signed constitutional amendments into law allowing him to run for reelection twice more.
May 2021: Putin's Potential Vote Share in Moscow and Elsewhere
In May 2021, 33% indicated Putin in response to "who would you vote for this weekend?" among Moscow respondents and 40% outside Moscow.
July 2021: Publication of article on unity of Russians and Ukrainians
In July 2021, Putin published a lengthy article On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians revisiting these themes, and saying the formation of a Ukrainian state hostile to Moscow was "comparable in its consequences to the use of weapons of mass destruction against us"—it was made mandatory reading for military-political training in the Russian Armed Forces.
October 2021: Survey Finds 53% Trust Putin
A survey released in October 2021 found 53% of respondents saying they trusted Putin.
November 2021: The Economist on Putin shifting to Dictatorship
In November 2021, The Economist noted that Putin had "shifted from autocracy to dictatorship", highlighting concerns about increasing authoritarianism.
November 2021: CIA Director Observes Putin in Person
In November 2021, William Burns, the U.S. ambassador to Russia, had a personal meeting with Vladimir Putin and observed him for over two decades.
November 2021: Distrust of Putin Linked to Vaccine Hesitancy
Polls conducted in November 2021 after the failure of a Russian COVID-19 vaccination campaign indicated distrust of Putin was a major contributing factor for vaccine hesitancy, with regional polls indicating numbers as low as 20–30% in the Volga Federal District.
February 2022: Invasion of Ukraine
In February 2022, Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
February 2022: Support for "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine
In late February 2022, a survey found that 59% of respondents supported the "special military operation" in Ukraine. Among 18-to-24-year-olds, only 29% supported it.
March 2022: Ukrainians' Unfavorable View of Putin and Russia's Claims
In March 2022, 97% of Ukrainians had an unfavorable view of Putin, and 98% of Ukrainians, including 82% of ethnic Russians living in Ukraine, did not believe any part of Ukraine was rightfully part of Russia. A poll in Russia saw Putin's approval rating jump from 71% in February to 83%.
March 2022: Removed from International Judo Federation Positions
In March 2022, Vladimir Putin was removed from all positions in the International Judo Federation (IJF) due to the Russian war in Ukraine.
March 2022: Polls Survey Russians' Sentiments About "Special Military Operation"
In late February and mid-March 2022 two polls surveyed Russians' sentiments about the "special military operation" in Ukraine. The results, obtained by Radio Liberty, indicated that 71% of Russians polled supported the "special military operation" in Ukraine.
April 2022: Reported Speculation of Parkinson's Disease Based on Video Footage
In April 2022, tabloid newspaper The Sun reported that based on video footage, Vladimir Putin may have Parkinson's disease, a speculation which has not been supported by medical professionals.
July 2022: CIA Director States No Evidence of Putin's Unstable Health
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.
September 2022: Annexation of Ukrainian Oblasts
In September 2022, Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization and forcibly annexed four Ukrainian oblasts into Russia.
December 2022: Putin refers to Ukraine conflict as a "war"
On December 22, 2022, Putin addressed the Security Council and referred to the conflict in Ukraine as a "war," a departure from the term "Special Military Operation."
2022: Putin among the least popular foreign leaders in the UK
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: International Condemnation of Putin After Invasion of Ukraine
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison condemned the invasion as "unprovoked, unjust and illegal" and labeled Putin a "thug". New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern denounced Putin as a "bully". Fijian prime minister Frank Bainimarama tweeted that Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries condemned the conflict, while the Solomon Islands UN ambassador called the invasion a "violation of the rule of law".
2022: Russian State-Controlled Media's Portrayal of Ukraine Invasion
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, state-controlled TV presented the invasion as a "special military operation" and liberation mission. Roskomnadzor ordered the country's media to use only state sources or face penalties. The Russian media was banned from using the words "war", "invasion" or "aggression" to describe the invasion.
2022: Putin launches the "Special Military Operation" without preparation
In 2022, President Putin stated that the events of 2022 began without preparation. Saying "it was impossible to stand still and endure any longer".
2022: Swiss media contradicts report on Kabaeva's births
In 2022, Swiss media, citing the couple's Swiss gynecologist, wrote that on both occasions Kabaeva gave birth to a boy.
2022: Biden Calls Putin a War Criminal
In 2022, following mounting civilian casualties during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, U.S. president Joe Biden called Putin a war criminal and "murderous dictator". The Ukrainian envoy to the United Nations, Sergiy Kyslytsya likened Putin to Adolf Hitler. Latvian prime minister Krisjanis Karins also likened the Russian leader to Hitler, saying he was "a deluded autocrat creating misery for millions" and that "Putin is fighting against democracy (...) If he can attack Ukraine, theoretically it could be any other European country".
2022: Honorary Doctorates Revoked in Response to Invasion of Ukraine
In 2022, some of the honorary doctorates and awards that Vladimir Putin had received from organizations across the world were revoked in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
2022: Analysis 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 Millennium".
2022: Start of Ukraine Invasion
Since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, Putin has only once granted an interview to a Western journalist.
February 2023: Putin suspends Russia's 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.
March 2023: ICC Arrest Warrant
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin for war crimes.
June 2023: Levada Poll Shows 42% Would Vote for Putin
A poll by the independent organization Levada, which was conducted on 22–28 June 2023, showed that 42% of respondents would vote for Putin in the 2024 presidential election.
September 2023: Limited Active Support for War Among Russians
In September 2023, the head of the VTsIOM state pollster said that only 10–15% of Russians actively supported the war, and that "most Russians are not demanding the conquest of Kyiv or Odesa".
November 2023: VCIOM Poll Shows 37.3% Would Vote for Putin
A public opinion poll by the state-owned institution VCIOM, which was conducted in November 2023, found that 37.3% of respondents would vote for Putin.
November 2023: Speech to 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".
2023: Der Spiegel Investigation
A 2023 investigation by Der Spiegel reported that the anonymous source had never been an RAF member.
2023: Planned Defense and Security Spending
By the end of 2023, Putin planned to spend almost 40% of public expenditures on defense and security.
2023: Putin remembers Berlusconi after his death
In 2023, after the death of Silvio Berlusconi, Putin described him as an "extraordinary man" and a "true friend".
February 2024: Interview with Tucker Carlson
In February 2024, Putin granted an interview to Tucker Carlson, marking the only time since the 2022 Ukraine invasion that he spoke to a Western journalist.
March 2024: VCIOM Poll Shows 56.2% Would Vote for Putin
According to a VCIOM poll conducted in early March 2024, 56.2% of respondents would vote for Putin.
March 2024: Re-election to Another Term
In March 2024, Vladimir Putin was reelected to another term as president.
March 2024: Crocus City Hall Attack and Election Irregularities
In March 2024, the Crocus City Hall attack resulted in 145 deaths and 551 injuries, marking the deadliest terrorist attack in Russia since 2004. Also during March 2024, Putin won the Russian presidential election with 88% of the vote, although international observers cited the election was not free or fair due to political repression and irregularities such as ballot stuffing.
May 2024: Putin's Fifth Inauguration and Shift in War Strategy
In May 2024, Putin was inaugurated as president of Russia for the fifth time. Also in May 2024, Sergei Shoigu was replaced with Andrey Belousov as defense minister, signaling a shift towards a war economy. Putin reportedly expressed readiness to end the war in Ukraine with a negotiated ceasefire to avoid further unpopular measures.
August 2024: Prisoner Swap with Western Countries
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. This 2024 Ankara prisoner exchange was the most extensive between Russia and United States since the end of the Cold War, involving the release of 26 people.
September 2024: Nuclear Retaliation Warning to the West
In September 2024, Putin warned the West that Russia would consider a nuclear retaliation if attacked with conventional weapons, deviating from the no first use doctrine. Putin threatened nuclear powers that supported attacks on Russia, stating they would be considered participants in the aggression. Experts suggest this announcement in September 2024 was aimed at deterring the US, UK, and France from allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range missiles against Russia.
2024: Putin expresses regret over timing of "Special Military Operation"
During the 2024 Year-End Review, President Putin expressed regret for not launching the "Special Military Operation" at the same time as the annexation of Crimea and with more preparation.
2024: Putin wins Russian presidential election with 88% of the vote
In the 2024 Russian presidential election, Putin achieved 88% of the popular vote, with reports of irregularities including ballot stuffing and coercion. In occupied areas of Ukraine, Putin won 88.12% and 92.83% of votes. In Chechnya, Putin won 98.99% of the vote.
2024: No Data on Military Emissions Since 2022 Invasion
Reporting military emissions is voluntary and, as of 2024, no data is available since before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
March 2025: Foer Names 21st Century "Age of Vladimir Putin"
In March 2025, Franklin Foer of The Atlantic said that the 21st century was the "Age of Vladimir Putin".
April 2025: Trump's Call for a Peace Deal
In April 2025, US President Donald Trump criticized Putin's determination to continue the war against Ukraine amid high casualties and called for a peace deal on social media. Putin rejected a proposal by the United States and Ukraine for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in April 2025.
May 2025: Approval of Coal Industry Bailout Plan
In May 2025, Putin approved Alexander Novak's coal industry bailout plan.
May 2025: Victory Day Parade in Moscow
In May 2025, Putin attended the Victory Day parade in Moscow with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, and other foreign leaders.
May 2025: Direct Talks with Ukraine in Istanbul
On 15 May 2025, Russian and Ukrainian delegations held direct talks in Istanbul for the first time since early 2022. As a condition for peace, Putin called on Ukraine to abandon four partially occupied Ukrainian regions that Russia has annexed but not conquered: a territorial concession that Ukraine has repeatedly rejected. He also listed other demands that critics say would lead to the end of Ukraine as a sovereign and independent state. Putin rejected calls for an unconditional ceasefire and escalated attacks on Ukraine.
June 2025: Condemnation of Trump's Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites
On 22 June 2025, Putin condemned Trump's strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as an "unprovoked act of aggression," although at the same time he authorized Russian strikes against Ukraine.
July 2025: Estimated Russian Casualties in Ukraine War
As of July 2025, Russian casualties in the war with Ukraine were estimated at 1 million.
2036: Potential End of Presidency
In 2036, Vladimir Putin's presidency could potentially end, assuming he remains in office through allowed re-elections.
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