Vladimir Putin's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 19, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Vladimir Putin.

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.

Sections (6)

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

1997: Received degree in economics

In 1997, Vladimir Putin received a degree in economics from Saint Petersburg Mining University.

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.

2000: Putin elected as President of Russia

Vladimir Putin was elected as President of Russia in 2000, under an independent banner.

2001: Putin Receives Civilian Honors

Since 2001, Vladimir Putin has received civilian honors from at least fifteen countries.

2004: Re-elected as President

In 2004, Vladimir Putin was reelected as President of Russia.

2005: Russia Repays Soviet Union's Debts

By 2005, a fund for oil revenue allowed Russia to repay the Soviet Union's debts.

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.

2008: Kazan Wins Bid for 2013 Summer Universiade

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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: Putin Rewarded Eighth-Degree Karate Black Belt

In 2014, Vladimir Putin was rewarded an eighth-degree karate black belt.

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.

2015: Putin Tops Time's Most Influential People List

In 2015, Vladimir Putin was ranked No. 1 on Time's Most Influential People List.

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.

2017: Russia to Host FIFA Confederations Cup

In 2017, Russia hosted the FIFA Confederations Cup for the first time in its history.

2018: Forbes Ranks Putin Second Most Powerful Individual

In 2018, Forbes ranked Vladimir Putin the second most powerful individual.

2018: Russia to Host FIFA World Cup

In 2018, Russia hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history.

2018: Re-elected as President

In 2018, Vladimir Putin was reelected as President of Russia.

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.

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.

March 2024: Re-elected to another term

In March 2024, Vladimir Putin was re-elected to another term as president.

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.