Valdimir Putin

Vladimir Putin is the President of Russia, serving in his current term since 2012, after previously holding the position from 2000 to 2008. Born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Putin has been a central figure in Russian politics for over two decades, shaping the nation’s domestic and foreign policies. He has also served as the Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012, further solidifying his influence over the country’s governance.

Putin is known for his strongman image and assertive foreign policy, particularly in regions like Ukraine, Syria, and Central Asia. His tenure has seen efforts to restore Russia’s status as a global power, often marked by tensions with Western nations. Domestically, Putin has focused on centralizing power, strengthening the state’s control over media, and promoting traditional Russian values. He has faced criticism for alleged human rights violations, suppression of dissent, and military aggression, most notably following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In April 2023, a viral image circulated online purportedly showing a portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Vladimir Putin's office.

BOOM fact-checked the claim and found that the image was morphed. The original image, available on Alamy, shows the national emblem of the Russian Federation behind Putin, not a portrait of Ambedkar.