Vladimir Putin, born on October 7, 1952 (73 years old), in Leningrad (now known as Saint Petersburg, Russia), is one of the most powerful and talked-about political figures in the world today.
He is best known as the President of Russia, a role he has held for many years with only short breaks.
People know him for his tough image, strict leadership style, and long-lasting control over Russian politics.
Keep reading to explore more about Vladimir Putin’s family, personal life, education, political journey, net worth, height, and other interesting facts.
Vladimir Putin Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin |
| Profession | Politician, former intelligence officer (KGB), President of Russia |
| Age | 73 years old |
| Date of Birth | October 7, 1952 |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Libra |
| Birthplace | Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Soviet Union (now Russia) |
| Current Address | Yet to be updated |
Vladimir Putin Ex-wife & Children
Vladimir Putin married Lyudmila Shkrebneva on July 28, 1983, in Leningrad, which is now called Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Lyudmila worked as a flight attendant at the time, and the couple met through mutual friends. Their wedding was a private ceremony with close friends and family attending.
For many years, Lyudmila stayed out of the public eye, focusing on raising their children and supporting Putin during his rise in politics. She was occasionally seen at official events but preferred a quiet life away from the spotlight.
Divorce Announcement
After nearly 30 years of marriage, the couple publicly announced their separation on June 6, 2013, during a televised interview after attending a ballet performance at the Kremlin.
Both described the decision as mutual and peaceful. Their divorce was finalized soon after the announcement.
Since their divorce, Lyudmila has mostly remained private. Putin has not remarried or officially confirmed any new relationship.
Current Relationship Status
Although there have been media rumors over the years about Vladimir Putin being romantically linked to other women, most notably Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast, none of these relationships have ever been officially confirmed.
Children
Vladimir Putin and his ex-wife, Lyudmila, have two daughters. Putin rarely talks about them in public, as he prefers to keep their lives private and away from the media.
Maria Vorontsova
Born in 1985, Maria is the elder daughter. She is a trained endocrinologist, which means she treats diseases related to hormones. Maria studied biology and medicine and now works in the field of medical research. She stays out of the public eye and lives a quiet, private life.
Katerina Tikhonova
Born in 1986, Katerina is the younger daughter. She is a scientist, a university administrator, and was once an acrobatic dancer. She has been involved in research projects and academic leadership roles. Like her sister, Katerina also lives a very private life, away from media attention.
| Relationship Status | Divorced |
| Wife/ girlfriend | Ex-wife: Lyudmila Putina Rumoured girlfriend: Alina Kabaeva |
| Children | Daughters: Maria & Katerina |
Vladimir Putin Family
Vladimir Putin was born into a modest family in Leningrad, which is now called Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Father
His father, Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin, served in the Soviet Navy during World War II. After the war, he worked at a factory to support the family.
He was known to be a strict and disciplined man who had a deep love for his country.
Mother
His mother, Maria Ivanovna Putina, also worked in a factory. She was a gentle and kind woman, deeply devoted to her son.
She played a major role in shaping Putin’s character, especially during the tough years following the war.
Siblings
Putin had two older brothers, Albert and Viktor. Unfortunately, both died at a very young age.
- Albert died shortly after birth.
- Viktor passed away during the Siege of Leningrad, one of the harshest battles of World War II.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin Mother: Maria Ivanovna Putina |
| Siblings | Brothers: Albert & Viktor |
Vladimir Putin Education
Vladimir Putin was a bright student with a strong interest in sports, especially judo and sambo (a Russian martial art).
He attended a local high school in Leningrad, where he became known for his serious nature and leadership skills. His early education focused on Russian history, language, and physical training.
For higher education, Putin studied law at Leningrad State University (now Saint Petersburg State University). He graduated in 1975 with a law degree. During his university years, he joined the KGB, which later became a major part of his career path.
Putin also pursued further studies in economics and is reported to have received a Ph.D. in economics from the Saint Petersburg Mining Institute, although this has been a subject of some debate.
| School | Local Leningrad school |
| Alma Mater | Leningrad (Saint Petersburg) State University; Leningrad Mining Institute |
| Highest Qualification | Law degree (LLB); purported PhD |
Vladimir Putin Career
After graduating from law school in 1975, Vladimir Putin joined the KGB, which was the main security agency of the Soviet Union.
He worked as a foreign intelligence officer and was later stationed in East Germany from 1985 to 1990. During this time, he gathered intelligence and learned about international politics and diplomacy.
Entering Local Politics
When the Soviet Union broke apart in 1991, Putin left the KGB and started working in politics in his hometown.
He worked with Anatoly Sobchak, the mayor of Saint Petersburg, first as an advisor and later as deputy mayor.
Climbing Up the Kremlin Ladder
In 1996, Putin moved to Moscow and started working in different jobs for the president’s office.
In 1998, he became the head of the FSB, which is like the modern KGB.
Then in 1999, he was made the Secretary of the Security Council, a top job in the government.
Becoming Prime Minister and Acting President
In August 1999, President Boris Yeltsin appointed Putin as Prime Minister of Russia.
When Yeltsin resigned on December 31, 1999, Putin became the acting President.
President of Russia
Putin was officially elected President in March 2000. Since then, he has been re-elected many times, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Russia.
He held the presidency from 2000 to 2008, then served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2012 due to term limits, and returned as President in 2012, remaining in power since then.
| Year | Role | Organization / Government |
| 1975 | Intelligence Officer | KGB |
| 1985–1990 | Stationed in East Germany | KGB |
| 1991–1996 | Advisor & Deputy Mayor | Saint Petersburg Government |
| 1996 | Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff | Russian Presidential Administration |
| 1998 | Director | FSB (Federal Security Service) |
| 1999 | Secretary of the Security Council | Russian Federation |
| Aug 1999 | Prime Minister | Russian Government |
| Dec 1999 | Acting President | Russian Federation |
| 2000–2008 | President (1st and 2nd terms) | Russian Federation |
| 2008–2012 | Prime Minister | Russian Government |
| 2012–Present | President (3rd, 4th, 5th terms) | Russian Federation |
Awards and Achievements
Vladimir Putin has received numerous state honors, foreign decorations, and public recognitions throughout his career.
| Year | Award / Honor | Reason / Details |
| 2007 | Time Person of the Year | Recognized as a global political figure |
| 2013–2016/2015 | Forbes Most Powerful / Time Most Influential | Acknowledged for strong leadership and influence |
| 2017 | Order of Honour | For significant achievements in public service |
| 2018 | Order of Friendship | For building international cooperation |
| 2025 | Order of Alexander Nevsky | State decoration; details yet to be updated |
Controversies
Vladimir Putin has been involved in several major controversies, ranging from political repression to international conflicts.
Here’s a quick look at them:
| Year | Controversy | Brief |
| 2000 | Sinking of the submarine Kursk | Putin stayed on vacation for days; he was criticized for a slow response to the disaster. |
| 2006 | Murder of Anna Politkovskaya | A journalist critical of Putin was assassinated under suspicious circumstances. |
| 2006–07 | Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko | The former FSB officer was killed in London by polonium poisoning; a UK inquiry linked it to Putin. |
| 2015 | Murder of Boris Nemtsov | An opposition leader was shot near the Kremlin after speaking against Putin’s policies. |
| 2014–2022 | Ukraine & Crimea | Russia annexed Crimea and later invaded Ukraine, drawing global condemnation. |
| 2020 | Constitutional Amendments | Changes allowed Putin to extend his presidency; critics called it a power grab. |
| 2022–2024 | Repression of Dissent and Media Control | Independent media shut down; harsh laws on reporting; crackdown on protests and critics. |
| 2023 | ICC Arrest Warrant | The International Criminal Court issued a warrant over alleged war crimes, including child abduction. |
Vladimir Putin Net Worth, Salary
Vladimir Putin’s estimated net worth is around $200 billion. Though his annual income is still to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $200 billion |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Vladimir Putin Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Vladimir Putin stands at around 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and weighs approximately 71–73 kg (157–161 lbs).
His hair color is light brown to grey, though it’s thinning and mostly short. He has blue eyes and is often seen dressed in formal suits, especially during public and political appearances.
| Height | In centimetres: 170 cm In meters: 1.70 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 7 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 71–73 kg In lbs: (157–161 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Salt‑and‑pepper |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Vladimir Putin X, Facebook
| X |  @kremlinrussia_e |
 @Vladimir-Putin |
Interesting Facts About Vladimir Putin
- Vladimir Putin holds a black belt in judo and began training as a teenager.
- Putin is known for tagging tigers and polar bears in wildlife conservation projects.
- He speaks fluent German and worked in East Germany during his KGB days.
- Putin’s Ph.D. thesis in economics was accused of plagiarism.
- He served as a KGB spy for over 15 years before entering politics.
- He has been linked to a secret $1 billion palace on the Black Sea coast.
- Putin is a dog lover and has received several dogs as gifts from other world leaders.
- Putin is known to support the Russian Orthodox Church strongly.
- He often takes cold water dips as part of religious traditions in Russia.
FAQs
Is Vladimir Putin still the President of Russia?
Vladimir Putin is serving his fifth term as President, following the 2024 election.
What is Vladimir Putin’s background before politics?
Vladimir Putin worked in the KGB, the Soviet intelligence agency, for over 15 years, including a post in East Germany.
Does Putin have any children?
Yes, Vladimir Putin has two daughters, Maria and Katerina, but he keeps their lives very private.
Why is Putin controversial?
Vladimir Putin is criticized for cracking down on opposition, controlling the media, and his role in the Ukraine war.
