“Great move on delay (by V. Putin) – I always knew he was very smart!” – Donald Trump
“I think it’s inarguable that Vladimir Putin has been a stronger leader in his country than Barack Obama has been in this country.” – Mike Pence
“I looked the man in the eye. I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy… I was able to get a sense of his soul.” – George W. Bush
So why is he called the most unlovable man in the world?
Fun Facts About Vladimir Putin
- With KGB 1975-1991; worked for city of St. Petersburg 1991-1996; in Moscow working under Boris Yeltsin 1996-1998; director of the Federal Security Service, to the KGB 1996-1999; appointed Prime Minister 1999; president 2000-2008; constitution precludes three consecutive terms, new president Medvedev appoints him Prime Minister; Elected President for third term amid widespread allegations of voting fraud 2012.
- Putin’s reported 2012 income was $113,000; estimated net worth includes several billion dollars ownership in Russian companies and approximately $2 billion spirited out of Russia.
- Built 9 new presidential residences, for total of 20.
- Outlawed gay “propaganda” in 2014.
- 41 journalists have been murdered in Russia since 2000.
- Former KGB agent and later KGB critic, Alexander (Sasha) Litvinenko, who had been investigating ties between Putin and international organized crime, was poisoned to death with a radioactive substance in London in November of 2006. Russia has refused to extradite the two men British police have charged with the crime.
- Criticism of Putin seems to shorten one’s life.
- Jailed feminist band Pussy Riot for two years on charge of “hooliganism,” i.e. performing at protest concert in 2012.
- Invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea.
- Spent $50 billion preparing for 2014 Winter Olympics; estimated $30 billion of it siphoned off to corruption.
- Supplied weapons to Bashar Al-Assad, president of Syria.
