Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born October 7 1952 , Leningrad , USSR ) - Russian statesman and political figure, from May 8 2008 - Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation . The second president of the Russian Federation from May 72000 on May 7th 2008 (after the resignation of President Boris Yeltsin performing his duties in December 31 1999 to May 7 2000 ). At the State Duma elections in 2007 Putin headed the electoral list of a political party "United Russia" , while remaining non-partisan. In September 24 2011 at the suggestion of Russia's third president , Dmitry Medvedev became the candidate of "United Russia" in the 2012 presidential elections .

December 31 , 1999 in connection with the early departure of Yeltsin's resignation Putin became acting president of the Russian Federation. The same day, Putin had given the symbols of presidential power, including the "nuclear briefcase " . The first act of state, signed by Putin and the post. about. President of Russia, was the decree " On guarantees of the Russian Federation president, stopped exercising his authority, and members of his family . " The decree provided the former Russian president (at the time this was the only Boris Yeltsin) guarantees of immunity.

On March 26th 2000 , President-elect Russia . He assumed office on May 7 2000 .

In May 2000 he was appointed Prime Minister of RussiaMikhail Kasyanov.

February 24 2004 sacked the government of Mikhail Kasyanov, calling his work "generally satisfactory" . The new chairman of the government wasMikhail Fradkov .

March 14 2004 was elected president of the Russian Federation for a second term . He assumed office on May 7 2004 .

September 12 2007 sacked Mikhail Fradkov , appointing the head of government Viktor Zubkov

May 7 2008 handed over power to President-elect, former head of his administration , Dmitry Medvedev . A few days before the Putin took 2nd place in the list of Time «100 most influential people of the world" .