Advertisement

Image: Sergei Bobylev/TASS/imago images

Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has been serving as President of Russia since 2012.

Skip next section All Content on this topic

All Content on this topic

Foreign Ministers of the BRICS group of countries pose for photo as part of meeting. From left to right: China's Ma Zhaoxu, Brazil's Mauro Vieira, South Africa's Naledi Pandor, Russia's Sergei Lavrov and India's Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Foreign Ministers of the BRICS group of countries pose for photo as part of meeting. From left to right: China's Ma Zhaoxu, Brazil's Mauro Vieira, South Africa's Naledi Pandor, Russia's Sergei Lavrov and India's Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

BRICS open to enlargement in call for 'multipolar' world

Talks in South Africa have opened up the possibility that the BRICS group could accept new members.

A policeman signals the stop sign in the foreground, with the high-rise building that suffered some damage in the background

A policeman signals the stop sign in the foreground, with the high-rise building that suffered some damage in the background

Russian officials say Moscow hit with drone strikes

Russia's Defense Ministry said eight drones targeted the city and all were intercepted.

The nose of an Iskander-M missle is visible against a blue sky

The nose of an Iskander-M missle is visible against a blue sky

Belarus: Lukashenko says Russian tactical nukes on their way

Lukashenko said the transfer of the weapons was already underway.

Ukraine I ICC prosecutor Karim Khan visits Bucha

Ukraine I ICC prosecutor Karim Khan visits Bucha

ICC 30 years after Yugoslavia: From Milosevic to Putin

The Russian president's ICC arrest warrant is founded on the special tribunals on the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda.

Russian then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, surrounded by officials, holds a gold bar at the Bank of Russia

Russian then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, surrounded by officials, holds a gold bar at the Bank of Russia

How much longer can Putin fund the war in Ukraine?

Leading Russian economist Sergei Guriev: Putin always acted like a Mafia boss.

Russian President Vladimir Putin seated and clapping

Russian President Vladimir Putin seated and clapping

German spy chief sees no 'cracks' in Putin system

German spy chief Bruno Kahl argues that disputes in Russia do not pose a threat to President Vladimir Putin's regime.

Boarding pass and passport for an Azimuth flight to Tbilisi, Georgia

Boarding pass and passport for an Azimuth flight to Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia risks EU candidacy by restoring Russia flights

Flights have been restored between Russia and Georgia. Does this put Georgia's candidacy for EU membership on ice?

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks about an African peace plan to end the war in Ukraine at a media briefing with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (not pictured) in Cape Town, South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks about an African peace plan to end the war in Ukraine at a media briefing with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (not pictured) in Cape Town, South Africa

African leaders to present peace plan to Putin and Zelenskyy

South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa said his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts agreed to consider an African peace plan.

Russian vessel, Lady R, docked at the South African naval base

Russian vessel, Lady R, docked at the South African naval base

South Africa summons US envoy over Russia arms accusation

The US envoy to South Africa said he would "bet his life" on the accuracy of allegations of Pretoria arming Russia.

Russland | Victory Day Parade

Russland | Victory Day Parade

Have Russians 'surrendered to the fate' of Putinism?

"The question of prestige is no longer that relevant for Putin," Nina Khrushcheva tells DW's Conflict Zone.

Russian-American political scientist Nina Khrushcheva at a press freedom event in 2016

Russian-American political scientist Nina Khrushcheva at a press freedom event in 2016

Have Russians 'surrendered to the fate' of Putinism?

The question of prestige is no longer that relevant for Putin," Nina Khrushcheva tells DW's Conflict Zone.

Russian service members drive a military vehicle along a street before a rehearsal for a military parade in Moscow

Russian service members drive a military vehicle along a street before a rehearsal for a military parade in Moscow

Ukraine updates: Russia ups security after 'drone attack'

Moscow said it was tightening security after two drones exploded over the Kremlin. DW has the latest.

Archive image from May 2018: Gerhard Schröder, former German chancellor, shaking hands with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. Schröder was visiting as Putin was sworn in for a fourth term in office as president.

Archive image from May 2018: Gerhard Schröder, former German chancellor, shaking hands with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. Schröder was visiting as Putin was sworn in for a fourth term in office as president.

Germany: Schröder loses appeal on taxpayer-funded office

Parliament stripped him of the facility and staff but did not link the move to Schröder's contentious Russian ties.

A still image from a video footage from Russian media shows a drone approaching a brightly lit Kremlin Grand Palace at night

A still image from a video footage from Russian media shows a drone approaching a brightly lit Kremlin Grand Palace at night

Russia claims Ukraine sent drones to attack Putin

Ukraine has denied accusations it attacked the Kremlin overnight in an attempt to kill Vladimir Putin.

Children sit on a bus bound for Belgorod, Russia, in April 2023

Children sit on a bus bound for Belgorod, Russia, in April 2023

Are Ukrainian children being illegally brought to Belarus?

What is behind allegations that children in occupied Ukraine are being brought to Russia and Belarus against their will?

Destroyed houses in Bakhmut

Destroyed houses in Bakhmut

Ukraine war: What do Russian speakers in Germany think?

More Russian speakers in Germany blame the Kremlin than Kyiv for the war in Ukraine, a DW-commissioned poll has found.

Pope Francis receives in private audience Mr. Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine at the Vatican on April 27, 2023.

Pope Francis receives in private audience Mr. Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine at the Vatican on April 27, 2023.

Ukraine updates: PM tells pope call with Xi was productive

Russia said it found the implementation of the grain deal "unsatisfactory." DW has rounded up the latest.

To The Point Sendung | TTPE Totale

To The Point Sendung | TTPE Totale

Why is the Russian opposition disappearing?

Western sanctions haven't dampened domestic support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen on a TV screen, as he appears in a video link provided by the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service in a courtroom of the Basmanny Court in Moscow, Russia

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen on a TV screen, as he appears in a video link provided by the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service in a courtroom of the Basmanny Court in Moscow, Russia

Navalny denounces 'absurd' trial, as new charges emerge

Imprisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said that he was facing new extremism and terrorism charges.

Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza handcuffed in court

Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza handcuffed in court

Russia: State repression stifles political opposition

Vladimir Kara-Murza joins a long list of opposition activists who have been jailed or forced into exile.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sitting alongside Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky and Colonel General Oleg Makarevich

Russian President Vladimir Putin sitting alongside Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky and Colonel General Oleg Makarevich

Ukraine updates: Putin visits troops in Kherson, Luhansk

Meanwhile, G7 foreign ministers meeting in Japan have vowed to intensify sanctions against Moscow. DW has the latest.

external

Xi and Putin's 'no limits' friendship has limits

The friendship between Chinese President Xi and Russian President Putin is strategic and more fragile than it seems.

Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza is escorted to a courtroom for hearing in a court in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza is escorted to a courtroom for hearing in a court in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

Russia jails Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza for treason

Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza has been found guilty of treason and jailed for 25 years in Russia.

A Ukrainian soldier fires his grenade launcher during training at the front line in the eastern Donetsk region

A Ukrainian soldier fires his grenade launcher during training at the front line in the eastern Donetsk region

Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy urges NATO security guarantees

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for quick accession to the defense alliance. DW has the latest.

This aerial view shows a partially destroyed residential building after shelling in Sloviansk, Ukraine

This aerial view shows a partially destroyed residential building after shelling in Sloviansk, Ukraine

Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy condemns deadly Sloviansk strike

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russia an "evil state" after a deadly strike on Sloviansk. DW has the latest.

Russian then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, surrounded by officials, holds a gold bar at the Bank of Russia

Russian then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, surrounded by officials, holds a gold bar at the Bank of Russia

How much longer can Putin fund the war in Ukraine?

A leading Russian economist says Putin will use every dollar to "kill Ukrainians," but sanctions steer cash away.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko speaking with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko speaking with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu

Belarus' Lukashenko asks for Russian security guarantees

The Belarusian leader called for Russia to defend Belarus "as its own territory."

An image of Russia's President Putin (R) is superimposed on a map of Western Europe dotted with drawings of solar panels and wind turbines

An image of Russia's President Putin (R) is superimposed on a map of Western Europe dotted with drawings of solar panels and wind turbines

Ukraine, Russia, oil, war, fossil fuels

One year after Russia invaded Ukraine, analysts think Putin's aggression may have sped up Europe's energy transition.

An oil production unit in Saudi Arabia.

An oil production unit in Saudi Arabia.

Oil prices jump after surprise OPEC production cut

The output cuts come as the US asked Saudi Arabia to raise production to reduce prices and strain Russia's finances.

Fokus Europa - Putin Doppelgänger

Fokus Europa - Putin Doppelgänger

Putin’s lookalike lives in fear

It used to be lucrative to look like Putin. Since the war, this has changed.

Still image from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on March 29, 2023, shows a Yars missile launcher of the Russian armed forces being driven in an undisclosed location in Russia.

Still image from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on March 29, 2023, shows a Yars missile launcher of the Russian armed forces being driven in an undisclosed location in Russia.

Belarus: Lukashenko blames West for threat of nuclear war

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko called for a 'truce' in Ukraine while warning about nuclear war.

A credit card for a Swiss bank account

A credit card for a Swiss bank account

Bankers convicted in Switzerland over Putin money laundering

Four men were found guilty of failing to exert due diligence over accounts linked to a friend of the Russian president.

DW Sendung To The Point | Totale

DW Sendung To The Point | Totale

Putin's threat: Is the nuclear risk rising?

Why has the Russian president threatened to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus?

An oil production plant in Russia

An oil production plant in Russia

Russia says oil sales to India surged amid war in Ukraine

Moscow said that Russian oil exports to India jumped 22-fold last year as Western buyers turned to other markets.

Indonesien G20 Joe Biden und Xi Jinping

Indonesien G20 Joe Biden und Xi Jinping

Ukraine: Could the United States and China bring peace?

If China wanted to, it could pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, war weariness is spreading in the US.

the AI-image of Putin kneeling before Xi with some of the most conspicuous errors enlarged

the AI-image of Putin kneeling before Xi with some of the most conspicuous errors enlarged

Fact check: No, Putin did not kneel before Xi Jinping

Did the Russian president get down on his knees before his Chinese counterpart? No, the picture is fake.

A head shot of Dmitry Medvedev

A head shot of Dmitry Medvedev

Ukraine updates: Medvedev says Putin arrest would be 'war'

Meanwhile, Russia has launched a new military satellite. DW has the latest.

Goncharenko, Roman

Goncharenko, Roman

Opinion: The Wall of China stands behind Putin

Roman Goncharenko

With his visit to Moscow, Chinese leader Xi Jinping showed Russian President Vladimir Putin that he can be counted on.

Teddy bears and toys, representing children abducted amid the war in Ukraine, sit on the ground at a protest event in Brussels in February 2023

Teddy bears and toys, representing children abducted amid the war in Ukraine, sit on the ground at a protest event in Brussels in February 2023

Ukraine's lost children: 'This is not just a war crime'

A Ukrainian MP says the ICC arrest warrant for war crimes against Russian President Vladimir Putin will isolate Moscow.

Xi Jinping zu Besuch in Moskau

Xi Jinping zu Besuch in Moskau

Xi ends trip to Russia as China grows more emboldened

If the status quo of the war in Ukraine persists, China would be the biggest beneficiary.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shakes hands with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shakes hands with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv

Ukraine updates: Japan PM Kishida offers support to Kyiv

Meanwhile, Putin said China's proposals on the conflict could serve as a basis for peace. Follow DW for the latest.

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin

Xi Jinping and Putin hail 'close ties' in Moscow talks

The trip marks the Chinese leader's first visit to Moscow since Russia launched its war on Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin in Mariupol

Vladimir Putin in Mariupol

Ukraine updates: Putin visits occupied city of Mariupol

Russian President Vladimir Putin toured the devastated Russian-occupied city of Mariupol. DW has the latest.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the 17th Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs RSPP at the Moscow International House of Music in Moscow, Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the 17th Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs RSPP at the Moscow International House of Music in Moscow, Russia.

ICC issues arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin

The Hague-based ICC accused Russian President Putin of responsibility for war crimes committed in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to China's President Xi Jinping speak

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to China's President Xi Jinping speak

Xi to hold talks with Putin in Russia in 'visit for peace'

China and Russia announced next week's visit by President Xi Jinping. Beijing wants to play mediator in the Ukraine war.

Former NATO Secretary-General George Robertson speaking to DW at an event organized by the British news magazine The Economist, Bucharest, Romania, March 15, 2023

Former NATO Secretary-General George Robertson speaking to DW at an event organized by the British news magazine The Economist, Bucharest, Romania, March 15, 2023

Former NATO chief expects more provocations from Russia

Former NATO chief George Robertson says Vladimir Putin has grown more paranoid and that more provocations are likely.

An entry in a Golden Book covered by a picture

An entry in a Golden Book covered by a picture

Germany: Should Vladimir Putin's Golden Book entries remain?

The Golden Books of some German cities contain entries by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Should they be removed?

Syrian President Bashar Assad review an honor guard of Russian soldiers during a welcome ceremony in Moscow

Syrian President Bashar Assad review an honor guard of Russian soldiers during a welcome ceremony in Moscow

Putin and Assad hold talks on anniversary of Syria uprising

Russia has been one of Syria's few allies during its years of war and is now trying to help Assad end his isolation.

Ukrainian servicemen fire an artillery cannon aiming to Russian positions nearby Bakhmut frontline

Ukrainian servicemen fire an artillery cannon aiming to Russian positions nearby Bakhmut frontline

Ukraine updates: Kyiv adamant about defense of Bakhmut

Ukrainian President Voldoymyr Zelenskyy says military commanders want to inflict maximum losses on Russia. DW has more.

Bill Browder in a DW interview

Bill Browder in a DW interview

Bill Browder: 'Starve' Vladimir Putin of money to fight war

How long can Putin afford to keep going?, DW asked Bill Browder, Head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign.