Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as president of Russia since 2012, with a previous presidency from 2000 to 2008.

Vladimir Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as president of Russia since 2012, and previously from 2000 to 2008. He is widely described as Russia’s dominant political figure since 1999.

Who is Vladimir Putin?

Putin was born on 7 October 1952 in Leningrad. He studied law at Leningrad State University and later earned a Ph.D. in economics. After working in the Soviet security services, he rose through Russian politics, becoming prime minister in 1999 and president in 2000. He returned to the presidency in 2012 and won re-election in 2024.

Why Putin matters to Canada

Putin is a major figure in Canadian foreign policy and security discussions. His government’s war against Ukraine, involvement in Arctic geopolitics, and broader Canada–Russia tensions make him a central concern for Canadian policymakers. Critics also highlight democratic backsliding and repression under his leadership.

Key facts about Putin's political career

Putin’s tenure has been marked by long-term centralization of power and major foreign-policy conflicts, including Russia’s war against Ukraine. He is one of the most influential and controversial leaders of the post-Soviet era, and the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin.