Russian Kid Who Grew Up and Became President

Putin secures fifth term with record 87% of votes
From a humble household to being a spy
Driving force behind Russia’s economic growth

Russian President Vladimir Putin has secured his fifth term in office with an unprecedented approval rating surpassing 87% in the recent Russian elections. Maintaining his regime, Putin sent a solid message to the West, cautioning that a confrontation between Russia and NATO could escalate into a catastrophic third-world war.

Was Putin, who successfully seized power for 30 years, an elite from his childhood?

Born and raised in a modest laborer’s family in the Soviet Union in 1952, Putin was known to hang out with mischievous friends, commit minor wrongdoings, and act like a hoodlum.

According to a report by the famous American broadcaster ABC, Putin was portrayed as a “little devil” from childhood. He engaged in fights daily, disrupting classes by throwing erasers at classmates and boisterously singing, causing headaches for both his parents and teachers.

In his autobiography penned after becoming president, Putin confessed, “I was a rough student.” He added, “Before starting school, I learned how to fight on the streets, and my grades were abysmal during my school years.” He further explained that he was educated on the streets and learned the rules of survival in the jungle, indicating his aggressive nature from a young age.

However, Putin also showed a trajectory, leaving his reckless lifestyle behind and dedicating himself to studying and practicing judo. He majored in law at St. Petersburg State University, where he was scouted by the KGB (Committee for State Security) and received various spy training. During a period of generational transition within the KGB, Putin, who was young, talented, and highly motivated, caught the attention of the organization.

Yet Putin’s early KGB career was not glamorous. He was tasked with paperwork all day among older colleagues and, due to his low salary, lived with his parents in a small house.

Putin was reportedly dispatched to the field as part of the KGB’s foreign intelligence. His responsibilities primarily revolved around counterintelligence operations and the surveillance of foreign dignitaries. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, he no longer worked as an intelligence.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, Putin transitioned into politics and served as the deputy mayor of St. Petersburg. He also served as the prime minister under Boris Yeltsin’s regime.

After Boris Yeltsin resigned due to health problems in 1999, Putin took over as acting president and officially became president by winning the 2000 presidential election. He remained in power until 2024.

So, why is Putin so beloved by the Russian people?

One expert explains that Putin’s popularity is due to his capabilities and the situation in Russia. He is credited with addressing the tumultuous collusion between oligarchs and bureaucrats that ensued after the collapse of the Soviet Union, a feat that earned him widespread recognition.

While resolving this collusion, Putin strategically eliminated political adversaries, solidifying his position. He restructured the political landscape, aligning himself with oligarchs who pledged allegiance to his leadership.

In addition, Putin’s initiatives in reforming Russia’s legal framework, encompassing land, tax, and labor laws, have been pivotal in establishing a cohesive national governance system. Furthermore, the rise in prices of raw materials like oil has contributed to his popularity as it revived the Russian economy. The cost of oil was around $20 per barrel in 2000 when he took office, but by the end of his second term in 2008, it had risen to $140 per barrel, seven times the original price.

Oil and abundant raw materials like natural gas have reportedly strengthened Russia’s national fiscal reserves. According to data from the World Bank, Russia’s GDP, based on purchasing power parity, surged from $1 trillion in 2000 to $3 trillion by the end of Putin’s second term. This economic resurgence continued, with the GDP soaring to $5.327 trillion shortly before the Ukraine conflict outbreak, underscoring Putin’s role in revitalizing the Russian economy.

However, the world is isolating Putin and Russia. The Russian-Ukrainian war, initiated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, is still ongoing in 2024, leading to a tremendous number of deaths and the destruction of cities.

While Putin may have bolstered Russia’s economy and garnered support from his populace, he has undeniably invaded Ukraine and is sowing the seeds of a third world war.

In addition, Putin has indicated a cooperative relationship with North Korea by mentioning that North Korea possesses its nuclear umbrella. He has also threatened global security by stating that Russia could use nuclear weapons if necessary.