How Old Is Putin?

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, the President of Russia, is one of the most significant and enduring political figures in the world. Known for his strong leadership style, his long tenure in power, and his influence over Russian and global affairs, Putin has remained a central figure in geopolitics for over two decades. But how old is Vladimir Putin, and what are the key moments in his life? Let’s take a detailed look at his age, background, and political career.

1. Vladimir Putin’s Birthdate and Current Age

Vladimir Putin was born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Soviet Union (now Russia). As of 2025, Putin is 72 years old.

2. Early Life and Background

Putin’s early life was marked by humble beginnings in post-World War II Leningrad, where his family faced hardship during and after the war. His father, Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin, was a factory worker who had served in the Soviet Navy during the war, while his mother, Maria Ivanovna Putina, was a factory worker who survived the Siege of Leningrad during World War II.

Putin grew up in a communal apartment in Leningrad, and his early years were marked by poverty. However, he was determined to overcome these circumstances, excelling in school and sports. As a young man, Putin became interested in martial arts and judo, which would remain a lifelong passion.

3. Education and Early Career

After completing high school, Putin attended Leningrad State University, where he studied law and graduated in 1975. His university thesis was titled “The Most Favored Nation Trading Principle in International Law.”

Following his graduation, Putin joined the KGB (Committee for State Security), the Soviet Union’s intelligence and security agency. He served as a KGB officer for nearly 16 years, rising through the ranks. He was stationed in East Germany during the 1980s, where he worked as a spy and gained firsthand experience in intelligence operations.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Putin returned to St. Petersburg, where he began working in the city’s government. This marked the beginning of his political career.

4. Political Rise

Putin’s entry into Russian politics came when he joined the administration of Anatoly Sobchak, the liberal mayor of St. Petersburg, in the early 1990s. Putin held various administrative roles in the city government, including working as Sobchak’s advisor on international relations.

In 1996, Putin moved to Moscow and joined the Russian presidential administration under Boris Yeltsin, who was the President of Russia at the time. His role in Moscow initially involved overseeing the Kremlin’s internal security and intelligence apparatus. Putin quickly gained the trust of key figures in the Russian government and was appointed head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB, in 1998.

In 1999, Yeltsin appointed Putin as Prime Minister of Russia. Shortly thereafter, in December of that year, Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned, making Putin the acting president of Russia. This was the start of his dominance in Russian politics.

5. Putin’s Presidency

**Vladimir Putin’s first term as President of Russia began on December 31, 1999, after Yeltsin’s resignation. He officially assumed the presidency in May 2000 after winning the 2000 Russian presidential election.

Since then, Putin has served multiple terms as president and prime minister, navigating through political and economic challenges both domestically and internationally. Here are the key milestones of his leadership:

• 2000-2008 (First Two Terms as President): During Putin’s first two terms, he focused on stabilizing Russia after the tumultuous 1990s. His government brought a sense of order and economic growth, largely driven by rising oil prices. He also worked to centralize power in the Kremlin and reassert Russian influence on the global stage.
• 2008-2012 (Prime Minister): Due to Russia’s constitution limiting presidents to two consecutive terms, Putin was ineligible to run for a third consecutive term in 2008. Instead, he became prime minister under Dmitry Medvedev, who served as president. However, many analysts viewed this period as a continuation of Putin’s rule by proxy.
• 2012-Present (Return to the Presidency): In 2012, Putin returned to the presidency after winning the election. His third term was marked by increasing authoritarianism, as he consolidated power and restricted political opposition. In 2014, Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine significantly raised tensions with the West.
• 2018-Present: Putin won re-election in 2018, securing another six-year term. In 2020, constitutional amendments were passed that would allow him to potentially remain in power until 2036, further solidifying his grip on the presidency.

6. Putin’s Leadership Style and Global Influence

Putin’s leadership has been defined by a mix of authoritarianism, nationalism, and a desire to restore Russia’s global prominence. He has positioned himself as the protector of Russian sovereignty and has often framed his leadership as a defense against Western influence, particularly from the United States and the European Union.

Under Putin’s leadership, Russia has taken a more assertive stance in international affairs. Some of the key events during his presidency include:

• Annexation of Crimea: In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, a move widely condemned by the international community and leading to sanctions from Western countries.
• Syrian Civil War: Putin’s support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been a key factor in the ongoing Syrian conflict, with Russia providing military support to the Syrian government.
• Interference in Western Elections: There have been allegations of Russian interference in Western democratic processes, including the 2016 U.S. presidential election, in which Russia is accused of hacking and spreading misinformation to influence the outcome.
• Internal Repression: Domestically, Putin has faced criticism for cracking down on political opposition, limiting press freedoms, and curtailing civil liberties. Key opposition figures, including Alexei Navalny, have been arrested or forced into exile.

Putin’s leadership has also been marked by a centralization of power within the Kremlin, with little political opposition allowed. He has maintained a high level of popularity among certain segments of the Russian population, especially for his perceived role in rebuilding Russia’s economy and military.

7. Vladimir Putin’s Legacy

Putin’s legacy is a subject of much debate. Supporters argue that he has restored stability, pride, and economic growth to Russia after the chaos of the 1990s, and they see him as a strong leader who has reasserted Russia’s position on the world stage. Critics, however, point to his increasingly authoritarian rule, the suppression of political dissent, and the erosion of democratic institutions in Russia.

Putin has been instrumental in reshaping the Russian political landscape and influencing global geopolitics, and it seems likely that his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.

8. Conclusion: Putin’s Age and Enduring Influence

As of 2025, Vladimir Putin is 72 years old. Despite his age, he remains one of the most powerful figures in Russia and the world, with an enduring influence over both domestic and international politics. His long tenure as president and his central role in global affairs have made him a key figure in the 21st century’s political landscape.

Whether viewed as a strongman leader or a controversial figure, Putin’s age is just one aspect of his multifaceted legacy. At 72, Putin’s hold on power shows no signs of waning, and his impact on Russian and global politics will continue to shape events for the foreseeable future.