Vladimir Putin, born on July 10, 1952, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, came from humble beginnings. He grew up in a communal apartment with his parents and two siblings. His father, a factory worker, served in the Soviet Navy during World War II, while his mother worked at a chemical plant.
After graduating from Leningrad State University with a law degree in 1975, Putin joined the KGB, the Soviet intelligence agency. He quickly rose through the ranks and was stationed in East Germany for several years. During his time in the KGB, he honed his skills in espionage and intelligence gathering, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Putin transitioned into politics. He served as deputy mayor of St. Petersburg before moving to Moscow to work for the Russian government. In 1999, he was appointed Prime Minister by President Boris Yeltsin, paving the way for his ascension to the presidency the following year.
Vladimir Putin first became President of Russia in 2000 and went on to serve two more terms, with a brief interlude as Prime Minister in between. Throughout his time in office, Putin has been accused of consolidating power and stifling dissent. His controversial actions, such as the invasion of Ukraine in 2014, have drawn international condemnation.
Despite the criticism, Putin's supporters credit him with bringing stability to Russia and overseeing economic growth during his tenure. The Russian economy experienced significant expansion during his presidency, with eight consecutive years of growth following his initial election.
Putin is believed to be a descendant of Mikhail of Tver, a prominent historical figure. He was married to Lyudmila Putina for over three decades, before their divorce in 2014. The couple has two daughters, Maria and Katerina, who have largely stayed out of the public eye.
Throughout his presidency, Putin has made efforts to strengthen ties with other nations. His close relationship with leaders like Fidel Castro of Cuba and mutual cooperation on various political and economic matters have shaped Russia's foreign policy under his leadership.
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