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
Putin Agrees to Phone Call with Trump to Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire
- Saturday, 15 March 2025
Vladimir Putin has agreed to a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Ukraine after meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff. Putin asked Witkoff to convey Moscow's thoughts to Washington, setting out details that need to be clarified before a truce is agreed. A possible phone call between Putin and Trump could be arranged after Witkoff delivers the messages in Washington, with both sides showing cautious optimism about the proposal.
Putin Urges Ukrainian Troops in Kursk to Surrender Amid Trump's Plea for 'Spared' Lives
- Saturday, 15 March 2025
Vladimir Putin urged Ukrainian forces fighting in Kursk to surrender after Donald Trump called on Russia to "spare" their lives. Putin claimed that if they lay down their arms, they would be guaranteed life and dignified treatment. He also emphasized the need for a corresponding order from Ukraine's military-political leadership to implement Trump's call.
Lammy Demands Putin Accepts Ukraine Ceasefire with 'No Conditions'
- Saturday, 15 March 2025
David Lammy demanded Russia accepts a Ukraine ceasefire with "no conditions" as he attended a G7 summit in Canada. The Foreign Secretary emphasized the allies' unified stance, stating that Vladimir Putin cannot shift the goalposts. This comes ahead of Keir Starmer’s video call tomorrow with the "coalition of the willing" to enforce any peace deal with Moscow.
Putin's Power Play: Trump Envoy Kept Waiting Eight Hours in Moscow Meeting Delay
- Saturday, 15 March 2025
Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, spent eight hours waiting for a meeting with Kremlin officials in Moscow before leaving around 2am, following a "classic Putin power play". Witkoff arrived at the airport at midday but was kept waiting while Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The meeting finally took place behind closed doors after nightfall and Witkoff departed shortly afterwards.
