Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician, former intelligence officer, and current President of Russia. He is known for his stern and unyielding demeanor, and for putting his love of horses on full display.

Early Life

Putin was born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1952. From an early age, he showed a love of physical fitness and martial arts, which soon led him to become a KGB agent. He quickly showed himself to be one of the best, rising through the ranks and earning the nickname “The Bondage Master.”

Political Career

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Putin transitioned into politics, serving as the mayor of St. Petersburg and eventually becoming the Prime Minister of Russia under Boris Yeltsin. In 2000, he was elected President of Russia, a position he has held, on and off, ever since.

While in office, Putin has been known for his aggressive foreign policy (aka “Russia First”) and his efforts to suppress political opposition (aka “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”). He is also famous for his bare-chested antics: whether riding horseback, hunting, or fishing, Putin always seems to find a way to show off his pectorals.

Personal Life

Putin is famously private, but we do know a few things about his personal life. He was married to Lyudmila Shkrebneva from 1983 to 2013, and they have two daughters together. Putin is also rumored to be quite wealthy, thanks in part to his luxurious Black Sea palace and his allegedly massive collection of shirtless photos.

Legacy

Time will tell what Putin’s ultimate legacy will be, but for now, he remains one of the world’s most powerful and enigmatic leaders. Whether he’s annexing Crimea, cozying up to dictators, or just taking off his shirt, Putin always manages to grab the world’s attention.