Vladimir Putin
President of Russia
Vladimir Putin
President of Russia
Vladimir Putin is the President of Russia, having held power either as president or prime minister since 1999, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in modern Russian history. Born in 1952 in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Putin had a background in the KGB, the Soviet Union’s intelligence agency, before transitioning into politics in the 1990s. Under his leadership, Russia has seen significant political centralization, economic fluctuations, and assertive foreign policies, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. His rule has been marked by crackdowns on political opposition, media restrictions, and efforts to maintain control through constitutional changes allowing him to potentially remain in power until 2036. While his supporters view him as a strong leader restoring Russia’s influence on the world stage, critics accuse him of authoritarianism, human rights violations, and suppressing democracy. His presidency continues to shape global geopolitic
Russian Oligarch Spy Yachts Feared Involved in Plot to Black Out Britain with Undersea Cable Sabotage
- Tuesday, 08 April 2025
Russian oligarch-owned superyachts are believed by defence sources to have been involved in covert maritime operations around the British Isles prior to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. These vessels, which carry mini-submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), were likely used for reconnaissance purposes to scout undersea cables that connect Britain to other countries. The suspected involvement of these superyachts adds to concerns over Russia's ability to disrupt vital energy pipelines, electrical cables, and offshore energy hubs that are critical to Britain's functioning.
