Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin is a prominent Russian political figure with extensive experience in both government and intelligence operations. After working as a KGB officer during the Cold War era, he transitioned into politics and rose to prominence in the late 1990s. He has held Russia's highest offices multiple times, serving as Prime Minister in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and as President during two separate periods. Since 2000, Putin has maintained dominant control over Russian governance, either directly through the presidency or indirectly through other senior positions. His long tenure has made him the most influential political figure in Russia for over two decades.