Early Years
Vladimir Putin is easily the world’s most talked about and controversial leader in today’s modern world. Some view him as a constant source of jokes and laughter, whereas others believe he is a threat, and somebody to be feared if crossed. One thing’s for sure, Putin has had a huge impact on Russian politics, and has transformed the way the world views the largest country on Earth. Here are some of the most intriguing and bizarre facts about the life of Vladimir Putin.
From an early age, Putin was known for being rowdy and outspoken. By the time he was 11 years old, he was one of a few in a class of more than 45 pupils who was not a member of the Soviet Union youth group, the Vladimir Lenin All-Union Pioneers.
By the age of 12 he developed a love for sports, and began training in Judo and Sambo, eventually going on to become a black belt in Judo and his University’s champion. Here he is in his 2008 DVD,
Also whilst attending university, he ran his own radio show, in which he showcased his love for The Beatles.
After graduating university in the 1980s, Putin joined and received training in the KBG (Russia’s Committee for State Security). Depsite being viewed as unsocial and with a “lowered sense of danger”, Putin was later based in East Germany as an undercover spy, responsible for illegally acquiring intelligence and recruiting foreigners.
During the mid-1980s, Putin also fathered two daughters, Mariya Putina and Tekaterina Putina. Literally next-to-nothing is actually known of his daughters, as their privacy is of the upmost importance to Putin. No Russian media outlets have ever published pictures of them, nor has any official photographer for the palace.
Putin and Nature
Putin has always expressed his love for mother nature, and loves interacting with wildlife. In fact, when he was growing up, he used to hunt rats in his apartment block for fun. In 2000, Putin was gifted a black Labrador called Koni (Connie) by General of the Army, Sergey Shoygu. He adored Connie so much, she was often seen by his side, and, most famously, Putin brought Koni along to a meeting with Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, knowing full-well she was petrified of dogs.
In 2012, Putin showcased his passion for assisting endangered species when he piloted a motorised hang-glider in order to help young Siberian white cranes take their first migration flight. He later described the birds as “pretty lads”.
Putin: The Action Man
Not one to be shy of a publicity stunt, Putin is often photographed manning the helm or taking the reins, in one way or another.
Most famously in 2009, when the leader was photographed whilst vacationing in Siberia, posing shirtless for a number of action shots. One occasion when things didn’t go as planned was in 2011, when Putin took part in a diving expedition in the Black Sea.
Upon returning to the water’s surface, he was holding fragments of ancient Greek jugs, claiming, “the boys and I found them”. It was later discovered that the fragments were in fact planted beforehand for Putin to “find”.
Putin’s Power
No matter how silly people think it is to see a world leader riding topless on a horse, Putin’s political power is undeniable. Vladimir Putin served as president of Russia from 2000 to 2008, and was re-elected to the presidency in 2012 due to an electoral “loophole” – meaning he could, in theory, extend his total cumulative presidency reign to 24 years, if he runs for re-election in 2018. He has also previously served as Russia’s prime minister. Source; Viralthread
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