Vladimir Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister for more than two decades, has announced he will seek another six-year term in March next year in an election he is comfortably expected to win.
A years-long crackdown on opponents and critics bolstered by sweeping new laws on “fake news” and “discrediting the army” has seen critics and opponents of the war handed long jail terms or flee abroad as the room for dissent has steadily shrunk.
Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1952, Putin graduated from Leningrad State University with a law degree. He then embarked on a 16-year career in the KGB, the Soviet Union's intelligence agency. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Putin entered politics, rising through the ranks of the St. Petersburg administration before becoming Prime Minister in 1999.
Putin's popularity soared during his second stint as Prime Minister (2008-2012) when he presided over a period of economic growth fueled by high oil prices. He capitalized on this public support to win the 2012 presidential election, marking the beginning of his current extended term in office.
Putin's leadership has been marred by allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and election interference. He has also been accused of using misinformation and propaganda to advance his agenda.
Putin remains a divisive figure on the world stage. While some admire his strength and decisiveness, others fear his authoritarian tendencies and expansionist ambitions. His handling of the Ukraine war has further cemented his image as a controversial and potentially dangerous leader.
Despite facing international sanctions and economic challenges, Putin shows no signs of relinquishing power. His future course of action and his impact on Russia and the world remain uncertain.
Diplomacy is proceeding at a glacial pace. The latest round of US-mediated negotiations in Geneva last week concluded without a breakthrough, and Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday offered no assurances of support for Ukraine
The documents tend to expand the scope of international contacts the deceased financier had and it reveals that several high-profile Russians corresponded directly with Epstein.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that the issue which centres on the fate of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine - would be discussed at U.S.-brokered trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday.
Two hundred years after the Monroe Doctrine was declared by the 5th President of the United States, and despite the widespread doubt about its power and efficacy, the doctrine was invoked by the 47th President of the United States.
Trump has struggled to fulfil his campaign promise to quickly end the war in Ukraine and has expressed frustration with both Zelenskyy and Putin as he attempts to mediate a settlement to a conflict he once claimed he could end in a day.
On Monday, Moscow accused Kyiv of attacking a Presidential residence in northern Russia, an allegation that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed as a lie aimed at letting Moscow continue the war.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday said that the Ukrainian military attacked President Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region with 91 long-range drones.
About 350 protesters gathered and clashed with police about 10 km (6 miles) from the venue where leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group are meeting.
PM Modi was among the many dignitaries present at the Twelfth G20 Summit held at Hamburg, northern Germany. US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull were also present.
Russian President Vladimir Putin exercises in a gym, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla are seen with their daughter named Max, Barack Obama poses for a selfie.
Barack Obama extends his hand to Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Russia on Wednesday (September 30) carried out its first airstrikes in Syria in what Russian President Vladimir Putin called a pre-emptive strike against the militants.
Chinese troops staged a celebration of the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II in Beijing; Vladimir Putin worksout in an open-air gym; Hundreds of angry migrants demonstrated outside Budapest's Eastern Railway Terminus.
Narendra Modi accepts Nawaz Sharif's invitation to visit Pakistan for SAARC summit in 2016; a three day celebration of Dalai Lama's 80th birthday; monsoon arrives in Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the top news and newsmaker in 2014. He led BJP to a historic election victory and formed a stable government at the Centre.
Russia, Jan 24 (ANI): Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his greetings to the Indian citizens on the occasion of Republic Day. President Putin in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he appreciates relations of special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India. He added that he was sure that further build-up between the two nations will be fruitful bilateral cooperation in different areas. He also said that constructive interaction corresponds to their common interests and goes in line with ensuring stability and security in Asia and the entire world.
11 months after bilateral ties took a hit, India and Azerbaijan officials meet in Baku
India15 min ago
Indian and Azerbaijani officials met in Baku to mend strained relations following India's military strikes on Pakistan. Discussions covered trade, technology, tourism, and fighting cross-border terrorism. The Indian ambassador facilitated the engagement and future consultations will be held in New Delhi. The conflict led to a boycott campaign, causing a significant decline in Indian tourists.
![👁 How can someone be the deputy leader [of the AAP] in the Upper House if they’re not willing to take on the BJP?](https://images.indianexpress.com/2026/01/Atishi.jpg?resize=150,83){kind=link}
