Vladimir Putin has been top dog in the Russian Federation since the turn of the millennium, despite the fact that for four of those years he was not even the President. Having assumed office as Acting President on December 31, 1999, following Boris Yeltsin’s resignation, Putin was then elected to two four-year terms before he stepped down to allow his protege Dmitry Medvedev to take over. However, despite Putin having stepped down as President, Medvedev installed him as Prime Minister – only for the roles to reverse once again in 2012, with the former re-elected to the top office. Such has been Putin’s russian culture on marriage over the nation that he has been accused of moving Russia from the liberal democracy established following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 back towards an autocratic state.
Accusations of vote-rigging at elections, the passing of anti-liberal laws and the invasion of neighbouring territories in Ukraine and Georgia have even led many political commentators to label Putin as a modern-day dictator. Fascination surrounds Putin, and rightly so because he has led an intriguing life. From beginning his career as a member of the secret police on foreign land, to inspiring an online comic superhero – not to mention his rumoured personal fortune and his reported affair with a Russian spy – Putin really has lived a captivating life. So, here are 25 mind-blowing facts about the undisputed ruler of Russia. In his official biography, the Russian President revealed he spent his spare time hunting rats on the stairwell. Quiz: Who Said It – The Ultimate Warrior Or Genghis Khan?
Nirvana Quiz: How Well Do You Remember Kurt Cobain? We need more writers about Vladimir Putin! I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales. Delivering passionate and comprehensive entertainment coverage to millions of users world-wide each month. The Guardian, NY Times, The Independent and more. Whilst the country has often struggled to preserve its independence its people have managed to retain their cultural possessions and are proud of the considerable cultural legacy they have created.
Numerous writers have contributed to the country’s rich literary history such as Taras Shevchenko and Ivan Franko. Volhynia, both of which Ukrainians claim as their historical ancestors. Traditional peasant folk art, embroidery and vernacular architecture are critiacal to Ukrainian culture, and its elements have often been determined by the resources available at the time. The countries strong tradition of folk art and embroidery continues to this day, with Ukrainian embroidery often considered an art form in itself.
Ukrainian customs are heavily influenced by the Eastern Orthodox Church and traditions from Slavic mythology. Whilst progressing into modernity, Ukraine remains a highly traditional country, where the observance of certain customs and practices play a central role in its culture. Many significant Ukrainian holidays and events are based on the old Julian Calendar and so differ to their Gregorian counterparts, these include Christmas and New Years Eve, both of which are highly important in Ukrainian culture. Christmas icon, Adoration of the Shepherds, from the Ivan Honchar Museum collection.