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.
Your Friday Briefing: Putin’s Defensive Speech
Good morning. We’re covering Vladimir Putin’s statements on Mariupol, a flurry of strikes between Israel and Gaza and a landmark ruling on gay sex in South Korea.
Putin steps back, but claims victory President Vladimir Putin of Russia said it was “impractical” for Russian forces to attack the steel factory in Mariupol where Ukrainian forces and roughly 1,000 civilians are stuck in bunkers.
Instead, Putin ordered a complete blockade. In so doing, he claimed victory there, presenting his strategy in a meeting aired Thursday on state television.
With news of heavy Russian casualties in Ukraine spreading on social media in Russia, the tightly choreographed meeting allowed Putin to present himself as a rational and cautious wartime leader.
