Is Vladimir Putin the most powerful man in the world?

September 6, 2024

Is Vladimir Putin the most powerful man in the world?

Yes, Putin is the most powerful human being on Earth. Putin controls Russia, which is not only the largest country in the world by land mass but is also a bellicose nuclear superpower eager to start World War III. Future historians may point out that Putin's invasion of Ukraine was actually the start of WWIII. Regardless of the outcome of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Putin will most likely find a way to stay in power in Russia until the day he dies. For all practical purposes, Putin is Russia's king tsar for life. Below let's take a look a look at Putin's biography followed by a brief summary of the Russian-Ukraine war.

Putin's Early Life and Education (1952–1975)

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin was born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia, which was then part of the Soviet Union. He grew up in a working-class family in a Soviet apartment. His father, Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin, was a factory foreman who had served in the Russian Navy during World War II. His mother, Maria Ivanovna Shelomova, was a factory worker. Putin was an "only child" because two older brothers died before he was born. The older brother, Albert, was born in the 1930s and died as a baby. The second brother, Viktor, was born in 1940, and died of diphtheria and starvation in 1942 during the Siege of Leningrad by Nazi Germany's forces in WWII.

Putin had a normal childhood in the Russia of the 1950s Soviet era. Putin says that his "tough upbringing" in Leningrad shaped his character for life. Putin began practicing judo and sambo at the age of 12. which would become a lifelong passion and contribute to his image as a man of discipline and strength. Putin attended Saint Petersburg High School 281 in the German language immersion program.

In 1970, Putin enrolled at Leningrad State University (now Saint Petersburg State University) to study law. He graduated in 1975 with a thesis on international law and trade, "The Most Favored Nation Trading Principle in International Law". During his time at the university, Putin became a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU).

16 Years in the KGB (1975–1991)

In 1975, the Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti (KGB), Russia's equivalent of our Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), admitted Putin to the 401st Class at the KGB school in Okhta, Leningrad. Putin was a middle of the pack recruit. After training, Putin's first assignment was in counter-intelligence. In 1985, the KGB assigned Putin to Dresden, East Germany, in 1985. In Dresden, Putin polished his German, gathering intelligence on NATO countries and East German political until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Putin's KGB career ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Putin had achieved the KGB rank equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel.

The Beginning of Putin's Political Career (Saint Petersburg 1991–1996)

In 1991, Putin returned to Leningrad, which had been renamed Saint Petersburg. Putin retired from active duty at the age of 39. Putin began working for the mayor of Saint Petersburg, Anatoly Sobchak, who had been one of Putin's law professors at university. Under Sobchak, Putin held various roles, including heading the Committee for External Relations, which handled foreign investments and international agreements for the city. Putin rose through the ranks of the Saint Petersburg government. Putin developed expertise in government contracts, and began to build a network of influential business and political contacts, many of whom would later play key roles in his administration.

Putin's Initial Rise to Power in Moscow (1996–1999)

In 1996, following Sobchak's electoral defeat, Putin moved to Moscow and joined the administration of President Boris Yeltsin. Putin began serving as a deputy in the Presidential Property Management Department, where he oversaw the privatization of state assets. In 1997, the Yelstin administration appointed Putin as Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff. Putin did so incredibly well that in 1998, Yelstin appointed him as Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB. Once again, Putin did so incredibly well, that in 1999, Yeltsin appointed Putin to be the Prime Minister of Russia. Putin quickly gained popularity by taking a hardline stance on the Second Chechen War and projecting a strong man image.

On December 31, 1999, Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned, and Putin became the acting president of Russia. Putin was 47 years old. Putin handled the war in Chechnya with a wise combination of military force and media control, framing the conflict as a fight against terrorism. This helped solidify his image as a decisive and strong leader, two leadership characteristics that are very important in Russian culture.

Putin's First Presidential Term (2000–2004)

In 2000, Putin was officially elected President of Russia, winning 53% of the vote. Putin's presidency marked a departure from the chaotic Yeltsin era. Putin sought to restore stability, centralize power, and reassert Russia's role on the world stage.

Key aspects of his first term:

Economic Growth: Putin inherited an economy devastated by the 1998 financial crisis. He implemented tax reforms, encouraged foreign investment, and took advantage of rising oil prices to stabilize the economy. Under Putin, Russia experienced significant economic growth, which helped bolster his popularity.

Centralization of Power: Putin worked to bring Russia's disparate regions under central control. He replaced elected regional governors with appointed ones and tightened control over the media, particularly national television networks.

War in Chechnya: Putin's military campaign in Chechnya quelled separatist movements and brought the region under Moscow's control, though at a high human and economic cost.

Second Presidential Term (2004–2008)

Putin was re-elected in March 2004, with over 70% of the vote. During his second term, he continued to centralize power, suppress dissent, and assert Russia’s independence from Western influence.

Key aspects of his second term:

Economic Boom: Benefiting from high oil prices, Russia’s economy continued to grow. The country paid off its foreign debts and built substantial reserves, earning Putin credit for stabilizing the economy.

Energy Politics: Putin used Russia's vast energy resources as a geopolitical tool, particularly in dealings with Europe, where many countries depended on Russian natural gas. This solidified Russia’s influence in the region.

Growing Authoritarianism: Critics accused Putin of authoritarian tendencies, as he clamped down on independent media, NGOs, and political opposition. High-profile critics, such as former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky, were imprisoned or went into exile.

By the end of his second term, the Russian constitution prevented Putin from serving a third consecutive term. Instead, in 2008, he chose Dmitry Medvedev as his successor and became Prime Minister.

Prime Minister (2008–2012)

From 2008 to 2012, Putin served as Prime Minister under Medvedev, though he retained significant influence over Russian politics. Medvedev’s presidency is widely seen as a continuation of Putin’s policies, with Putin still dominating foreign and domestic policy decisions.

Modernization and Reform: During Medvedev’s term, Russia embarked on a campaign of modernization and technological development, but many key decisions were influenced by Putin, especially in areas like defense and foreign policy.

Georgia War (2008): Under Putin’s influence, Russia engaged in a brief war with Georgia over the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, further asserting Russian dominance in the post-Soviet space.

Putin's Third Presidential Term (2012–2018)

In March 2012, Putin won the presidential election with over 63% of the vote. His third term was marked by increasing tensions with the West and a growing focus on re-establishing Russia as a global power.

Key aspects of the third term:

Crimea Annexation (2014): Following political unrest in Ukraine and the ousting of pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych, Putin ordered the annexation of Crimea in March 2014. This move was widely condemned internationally and led to sanctions from the United States and the European Union, but it boosted Putin’s domestic popularity.

Intervention in Syria (2015): Russia began military intervention in the Syrian civil war to support President Bashar al-Assad. The intervention reasserted Russia’s role as a key player in Middle Eastern geopolitics and marked Putin’s attempt to challenge Western influence in the region.

Suppression of Dissent: Putin’s third term saw a further crackdown on opposition figures and independent media. Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition leader, was frequently arrested and later poisoned in an attack attributed to Russian security services.

Putin's Fourth Presidential Term (2018–Present)

Putin was re-elected for a fourth term in March 2018, securing over 76% of the vote. His presidency during this period has been defined by continued international tensions, internal political control, and strategic alliances.

Key aspects of the fourth term:

Constitutional Changes (2020): In 2020, Putin pushed through constitutional amendments allowing him to remain in power until 2036. Yes, you read well, 12 more years! Putin would be 88 years old, ready to continue presiding under more Constitutional amendments to come.  

COVID-19 Pandemic: Putin’s government faced criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, though Russia was one of the first countries to develop a vaccine, Sputnik V. However, public trust in the vaccine rollout was inconsistent.

Continued Conflict with the West: Sanctions imposed after the annexation of Crimea, interference in U.S. elections, and cyberattacks allegedly linked to Russia have led to a tense relationship between Russia and Western countries. The political situation in Ukraine remains a flashpoint in Russia’s relations with NATO and the European Union.

Invasion of Ukraine: The Russia-Ukraine War is an ongoing conflict that began in February 2014 with the annexation of Crimea by Russia and escalated dramatically on February 24, 2022, when Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Let's wrap up Putin's biography before taking a look at this war. 

Putin's Personal Life

Vladimir Putin was married to Lyudmila Shkrebneva from 1983 to 2013. They have two daughters: Maria and Katerina. The couple divorced in 2013. Putin is known to be very private about his personal life, rarely speaking about his family. His daughters are also kept out of the public eye. Putin has at least three grandchildren who are said to be fluent in Mandarin. 

Putin is an avid sportsman, often seen engaging in judo, ice hockey, and horseback riding. He also has a passion for the outdoors, frequently photographed fishing, hunting, and even hiking in Siberia.

Putin's Leadership Style

Putin’s leadership style is often described as authoritarian and centralized. He is seen as a pragmatist, using a combination of political cunning, strong man controls, oligarchic corruption, media control, political assassinations, personal charisma, and religious faith to maintain power. 

Putin has been in political control of Russia all through the 2000s. In the past 24 years, Putin has managed to consolidate a total power hold over Russia that can be expected to last until Putin's death, which can be expected to happen within the next 25 years. Putin's tenure so far has been marked by efforts to restore Russian national pride, reassert Russia’s influence on the global stage, and maintain a healthy economy based primarily on energy and to some extent, technology. 

Putin has stifled democratic freedoms in Russia, controlling the media and repressing opposition via political assassinations and cleansing. Despite this, or maybe because of this, Putin remains very popular among large segments of the Russian population, particularly for his role as strongman keeping everything under control and in stabilizing the country's economy while restoring its status as a major world power. 

Conclusion

Vladimir Putin’s political career has been one of the most influential and controversial in modern history. From a standard Soviet upbringing in the 1950s and 1960s, to a KGB career in the 1970s through the 1980s, to government civilian / political appointments in the 1990s, to the ascent to presidential power in the 2000s through the present, Putin is one of the most successful political leaders in recent history. Pound by pound or inch by inch, Putin is the most powerful man in the world. 

Putin's impact on Russia and international geopolitics will likely be felt for decades to come. With his potential to remain in power until 2036 and even after, Putin's legacy continues to evolve, making him a defining figure in 21st-century politics.

Below let's take a brief look at Putin's most controversial move of all, the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The Russia-Ukraine War

The roots of the Russia-Ukraine conflict trace back to Ukraine’s historical ties with Russia and its struggle for independence, sovereignty, and identity. Ukraine had been part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union until it gained independence in 1991 following the USSR's dissolution. After gaining independence, Ukraine experienced significant political and economic instability, balancing between pro-European and pro-Russian factions. Its strategic importance due to geography, natural resources, and its large population made it a focus of geopolitical interest for Russia and Western powers.

Orange Revolution (2004–2005): 

The Orange Revolution was a series of protests in Ukraine following a rigged election, leading to the eventual victory of pro-Western candidate Viktor Yushchenko. This further strained Russia-Ukraine relations, as Russia supported the opposing candidate, Viktor Yanukovych.

Euromaidan Protests (2013–2014): 

The turning point came in 2013 when pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych abandoned a planned association agreement with the EU in favor of closer ties with Russia, sparking mass protests known as Euromaidan. Yanukovych was ousted in February 2014, and a pro-Western government took power.

Crimea Annexation (2014): 

In response to the ousting of Yanukovych, Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014. Crimea had been part of Russia until 1954 when it was transferred to Ukraine under Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. Crimea has a large ethnic Russian population and is home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Russia’s justification for annexation was that it was protecting the rights of ethnic Russians in Crimea, and a hastily organized referendum saw overwhelming support for joining Russia. However, the international community, including the United Nations, condemned the annexation as illegal.

War in Donbas (2014–2021): 

Shortly after the annexation of Crimea, pro-Russian separatists, backed by Russia, began a rebellion in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (provinces). This conflict, involving separatists and Ukrainian forces, led to the declaration of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR). Despite multiple ceasefire agreements, including the Minsk Agreements (2014 and 2015), fighting in the Donbas continued, resulting in over 14,000 deaths by 2021. Russia denied direct involvement in the conflict, although there was substantial evidence of Russian military support for the separatists.

Ukraine's potential alignment with the West, particularly its aspirations to join NATO and the European Union (EU) became a central issue and something completely unacceptable to Putin. Russia under  Putin has long viewed Ukraine's integration into Western military and economic structures as a direct threat to its sphere of influence.

Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion (2022–Present)

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking a dramatic escalation of the conflict. Russia attacked Ukraine from the north (through Belarus), east, and south, targeting major cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Mariupol. Russian forces made a push toward Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, in an attempt to quickly topple the government of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, they faced unexpected resistance and logistical challenges.

The West heavily criticized Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Western nations imposed economic sanctions on Russia. NATO and the EU provided military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, although direct military intervention by NATO forces was ruled out.

Ukrainian forces, aided by Western-supplied weapons, mounted a robust defense. The Kyiv offensive was repelled by late March 2022, forcing Russian troops to withdraw and refocus their efforts on the eastern Donbas region and the southern front. President Zelenskyy, a former actor and comedian, gained international recognition for his leadership during the crisis, becoming a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.

Russian Annexation of Ukrainian Territories (September 2022): 

Russia held referendums in the occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, claiming overwhelming support for joining Russia. In late September 2022, Putin announced the annexation of these regions, despite global condemnation and claims that the referendums were fraudulent.

Energy Warfare (Winter 2022–2023):

During the winter months, the conflict settled into a war of attrition. Russia launched missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine's critical infrastructure, especially its power grid, leading to widespread blackouts. Russia sought to use energy supplies as leverage, particularly with Europe, which had historically depended on Russian gas. However, Europe made efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian energy.

Ukrainian Counteroffensive (2023):

In 2023, Ukraine launched a new counteroffensive, focusing on liberating territory in the Donbas and southern Ukraine. Western countries, particularly the U.S. and NATO members, continued to supply Ukraine with advanced weapons systems, including tanks and long-range missiles.

Ongoing Situation

The Russia-Ukraine war is one of the most significant and destructive conflicts in modern European history. It has not only reshaped the security landscape of Eastern Europe but also challenged the post-World War II international order. With no clear resolution in sight, the conflict continues to evolve, with far-reaching consequences for Ukraine, Russia, and the world at large. As of of today, September 6, 2024, the war shows no signs of abating. While Ukraine has made territorial gains, Russia retains control of parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Diplomatic efforts have been largely unsuccessful, and both sides seem determined to continue fighting. The international community remains divided, with Western nations backing Ukraine, while China and North Korea backing Russia. 

Potential Outcomes of the Russia-Ukraine War:

Stalemate: The war could result in a protracted stalemate, with no decisive victory for either side. This could lead to a "frozen conflict," similar to the situation in Georgia and Moldova, where unresolved territorial disputes persist.

Ukrainian Victory: If Ukraine continues to receive Western military support and manages to reclaim occupied territories, it could force Russia to the negotiating table or even result in a Russian withdrawal.

Russian Victory: Russia could consolidate its control over the annexed regions, forcing Ukraine into a settlement that favors Russian interests.

Diplomatic Settlement: A negotiated peace treaty or accord with territorial compromises.

World War III?

We'll see. The future has not been created yet. Now you know a little bit more about Putin and the Ukraine-Russia war. Be well. Die Better. Enjoy. 

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