Vladimir Putin

Since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has experienced major political and economic changes. One person has shaped much of that period more than any other Russian leader: Vladimir Putin.

Putin has served as either president or prime minister of Russia for most of the time since 1999. During his leadership, the Russian government has become more centralized, Russia has sought to strengthen its influence abroad, and political freedoms inside the country have become more limited.

As you read, pay attention to how Putin gained power, how Russia changed during his leadership, and how his policies affected Russia’s relationships with other countries.

Vladimir Putin began his career in the Soviet Union’s intelligence service, the KGB. After the Soviet Union collapsed, he entered politics and held several government positions in Russia.

In 1999, President Boris Yeltsin appointed Putin prime minister. When Yeltsin resigned at the end of that year, Putin became acting president. Russian voters elected him president in 2000 and reelected him in 2004.

At the time, Russia was still dealing with many of the economic and political problems that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. Putin promised to strengthen the national government, restore order, and improve Russia’s economy.

During Putin’s first two presidential terms, Russia’s central government became more powerful. Putin reduced some of the independence of regional governments and increased the federal government’s control over political decision-making.

The Russian economy also grew during much of this period. Rising oil and natural gas prices brought large amounts of money into Russia because energy exports were an important part of the economy. Many Russians experienced improving incomes and living standards compared with the economic difficulties of the 1990s.

At the same time, the government increased its influence over national television and other major media outlets. Some wealthy business leaders who challenged the government lost political influence, businesses, or freedom. Critics argued that these changes weakened political competition and independent journalism.

Putin also continued Russia’s military campaign in Chechnya, where separatists had fought for independence from Russia. The conflict caused extensive destruction and loss of life.

In foreign affairs, Putin sometimes cooperated with other countries and sometimes opposed their policies. Russia supported some international efforts against terrorism after the September 11, 2001 attacks, but disagreements with the United States and European countries increased over time.

Russia’s constitution did not allow Putin to serve a third consecutive presidential term in 2008. Dmitry Medvedev became president, and Putin became prime minister.

In 2012, Putin returned to the presidency. His return followed large protests and accusations by critics and election observers that Russia’s political system did not provide fair competition.

During Putin’s third presidential term, the government adopted new laws that placed greater restrictions on political protests, independent organizations, and some forms of public expression. The government also continued to strengthen its influence over the media and political opposition.

Russia’s foreign policy became more assertive during this period.

In 2014, Russian forces took control of Crimea, a peninsula that was internationally recognized as part of Ukraine. Russia then annexed Crimea after holding a referendum there. Ukraine and most other countries did not recognize the annexation as legal.

Conflict also began in eastern Ukraine, where Russia supported armed separatist groups fighting Ukrainian government forces. These events sharply increased tensions between Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and European countries.

Putin was reelected president in 2018.

In 2020, constitutional changes allowed him to seek additional presidential terms. These changes made it possible for Putin to remain president beyond the limits that had previously applied to him.

During this period, the Russian government further restricted many opposition groups, independent news organizations, and political activists. Critics of the government faced arrests, legal restrictions, or other pressure.

Russia’s relationship with Ukraine became even more important in February 2022, when Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces entered Ukraine from several directions, beginning the largest war in Europe in decades.

The war caused widespread destruction, large numbers of military and civilian casualties, and the displacement of millions of people. Many countries responded by imposing economic sanctions on Russia and providing military, economic, or humanitarian support to Ukraine.

The Russian government also increased restrictions on criticism of the war inside Russia. Independent media organizations were closed, blocked, or forced to leave the country, and people could face punishment for publicly opposing or criticizing the military campaign.

Putin was reelected again in 2024 and began another six-year presidential term.

Putin’s long period in power has changed Russia in significant ways. The national government has become more centralized, and the president holds extensive political authority. Russia has also used its military, energy resources, and foreign policy to maintain or expand its influence in neighboring regions and around the world.

At the same time, opportunities for political opposition and independent media have become more limited. Russia’s wars and conflicts with neighboring countries have also reshaped its relationships with many other nations.

Understanding Putin’s leadership helps explain both how Russia’s government has changed since the 1990s and why Russia continues to play such an important role in international affairs today.