Inauguration speech

Open letter by Vladimir Putin to Russian voters

Vladimir V. Putin

President of the Russian Federation

Vladimir Putin was born in Leningrad on October 7, 1952.

In 1975, Putin graduated from the law department of the Leningrad State University. After graduation he worked at the Foreign Intelligence Service. He also worked for a long time in Germany. After his return to Leningrad, Putin became an aide to the vice-president of the Leningrad State University in charge of international issues.

In 1990, he was adviser to chairman of the Leningrad City Council and in 1991-1994 chairman of the committee for foreign relations of the St. Petersburg Mayor's Office.

In 1994-1996, he was first deputy chairman of the city government and chairman of the committee for external relations.

In 1996-1997, he was first deputy presidential business manager.

In 1997-1998, Putin worked as head of the president's Main Audit Directorate and presidential deputy chief of staff.

From July 1998 to March 1999 he was director of the Federal Security Service.

Between March 1999 and August 1999, Putin combined his job as Federal Security Service director with the work as Security Council secretary.

On August 9, 1999, he was appointed first vice-prime minister and later on the same day he became acting prime minister.

On March 26, 2000, he was elected the President of the Russian Federation.

Putin is married with two daughters. His hobbies include sports, particularly wrestling.