Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008. He was also the Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a state of emergency after more than 20,000 tonnes of diesel oil spilled into Arctic rivers.
Putin has criticised Norilsk Nickel — the world's largest producer of nickel and palladium — which he said took too long to notify the authorities of the leak.
The spill took place on May 29 at a power plant near the city of Norilsk, located in the Arctic Circle, 2,900 kilometres north-east of Moscow.