Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, born October 7, 1952, in Saint Petersburg, is a Russian statesman. Since 1999, he has occupied a central position within the executive branch of the Russian nation, having successively served as President of the Government (1999-2000 and 2008-2012) and President of the Russian Federation (acting from 1999 to 2000, full-time from 2000 to 2008, and again since 2012).