Here is a comprehensive summary of the Wikipedia article on Vladimir Putin:

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician who has served as President of Russia since 2012, having previously held the office from 2000 to 2008, and Prime Minister in between these terms. A former KGB foreign intelligence officer, he rose through the ranks to become President in May 2000, effectively becoming the de facto leader of Russia.

During his initial presidency, Russia saw significant economic growth and re-established federal control over Chechnya. However, his later tenures have been marked by increasing international tensions, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014, support for a war in eastern Ukraine, and a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which led to widespread international condemnation and sanctions.

Under Putin's leadership, the Russian political system has transformed into an authoritarian state, characterized by widespread human rights violations, the suppression of political opponents, censorship of independent media, and a lack of free and fair elections. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes related to illegal child abductions in Ukraine. Constitutional amendments passed in 2021 allow him to potentially remain president until 2036.