Vladimir Putin Fast Facts

CNN Library

Updated 2150 GMT (0550 HKT) October 24, 2019

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is a popular but polarizing figure who has dominated Russian politics since he was first elected in 2000. See more photos from his life and career.
Photos: Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin is a popular but polarizing figure who has dominated Russian politics since he was first elected in 2000. See more photos from his life and career.
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Putin poses for a class photo in 1960. He was born October 7, 1952, in what is now St. Petersburg, Russia.
Photos: Russian President Vladimir Putin
Putin poses for a class photo in 1960. He was born October 7, 1952, in what is now St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Putin dances with a classmate during a party in 1970.
Photos: Russian President Vladimir Putin
Putin dances with a classmate during a party in 1970.
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Putin, bottom, wrestles with a classmate in 1971. He went on to study law at Leningrad State University, and in 1975 he joined the KGB, a Soviet-era spy agency.
Photos: Russian President Vladimir Putin
Putin, bottom, wrestles with a classmate in 1971. He went on to study law at Leningrad State University, and in 1975 he joined the KGB, a Soviet-era spy agency.
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Putin poses with his parents, Vladimir and Maria, in 1985. A year earlier, he was selected to attend the Red Banner Institute of Intelligence, where he learned German and English.