Vladimir Putin

Putin’s was a quiet, but steady rise through the ranks of the KGB/FSB to a primary role in Russia’s leadership. He was first elected President in 2000, and again in 2012, having built a powerful support structure over the years. He is now seen by the world as something of a dictator, but he is very popular with most Russian citizens. He goal seems to be to reestablish the massive boundaries of the former Soviet Union.