Vladimir Putin’s 24 years in power in Russia have been marked by significant events that have shaped the country’s political landscape. From his appointment as acting president in 1999 to his most recent reelection in 2024, Putin’s tenure has been characterized by a consolidation of power and crackdown on dissent. One of the earliest moves against independent media came in 2000 when tax police raided the offices of NTV, a popular broadcaster known for critical coverage of the Kremlin. This was followed by the arrest of oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky in 2003, seen as a potential challenger to Putin, who was later sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Throughout Putin’s presidency, there have been several high-profile crises, including the sinking of the submarine Kursk in 2000 and the Beslan school siege in 2004, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of hostages. These incidents drew international criticism and raised questions about Putin’s leadership style. Putin’s stance on the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine has also been a point of contention, with accusations of Russian interference in both conflicts. Despite these challenges, Putin has remained in power through constitutional changes and political maneuvering.
Putin’s relationship with the United States has been complex, with moments of cooperation and tension. His meeting with then-U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 highlighted the ongoing allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Putin’s decision to intervene in Syria in 2015 further strained relations with the West, as Russia’s military actions supported Syrian President Bashar Assad, a longtime ally. The construction of a bridge from Russia to Crimea in 2018 solidified Moscow’s annexation of the region, further escalating tensions with Ukraine.
In recent years, Putin has faced growing opposition both domestically and internationally. The poisoning and imprisonment of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, along with the crackdown on dissent through new laws and increased penalties, have raised concerns about human rights in Russia. The International Criminal Court’s war-crimes indictment for Putin in 2023 marked a significant development in the international community’s response to his actions in Ukraine. The rebellion led by mercenary force leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023 highlighted growing discontent within Russia’s military ranks and the potential for internal challenges to Putin’s leadership.
The death of Navalny in 2024, under mysterious circumstances at an Arctic prison colony, further fueled criticism of Putin’s regime. U.S. President Joe Biden condemned Navalny’s death as a result of Putin’s actions, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Russia and Western powers. Despite these challenges, Putin’s reelection in 2024 with 87% of the vote solidified his grip on power, with little opposition on the ballot. The attack on a concert hall in Moscow claimed by an offshoot of the Islamic State group also raised concerns about security and stability under Putin’s leadership. Overall, Putin’s 24 years in power have been marked by a combination of domestic crackdowns, international conflicts, and challenges to his authority.
