Vladimir Putin has been the President of the Russian Federation since 2000, with a brief hiatus as Prime Minister from 2008-2012. He is known for his strong leadership style and his efforts to restore Russia's status as a global power. Putin has been criticized for his suppression of political opposition and his handling of human rights issues. He has also been accused of interfering in foreign elections and conflicts, including the 2016 US presidential election. Despite these controversies, Putin remains popular in Russia and has been re-elected multiple times. He is seen as a symbol of stability and strength in a country that has experienced significant political and economic upheaval in recent decades.