Vladimir Putin has been the dominant figure in Russian politics over the last two decades. His tenure has been marked both by growing concern over the human rights situation in Russia, and fears about the country’s role on the global stage. With Russian forces having invaded Ukraine, Putin is under mounting pressure both from other governments and anti-war activists in Russia - where there have been growing protests - to end the assault and withdraw his troops. Sanctions are being ramped up. High-level talks between Ukrainian and Russian diplomats are now set to take place at the Ukraine-Belarus border. But when did Vladimir Putin come to power in Russia - and what did he do before that?
