Vladimir Putin is one of the most recognized politicians in the world. Currently, he is the President of the Russian Federation, and he is regularly featured by magazines like Time and Forbes as one of the world's most influential and powerful individuals. This captivating biography traces Putin's early years, his education, and his career in the Soviet KGB. Readers will follow his rise in politics and the current role he plays in both Russian and international politics, as well as the way he is regarded in the United States.