Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin Biography

Birth of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin

Putin graduates from the International Branch of the Law Department of the Leningrad State University

Serves in the 5th Directorate of the KGB, which combated political dissent in the Soviet Union. Recruited into the KGB. Putin joins the KGB in 1975 upon graduation from university, and underwent a years training at the 401st KGB school in Okhta, Leningrad

Putin graduates from the International Branch of the Law Department of the Leningrad State University

1983-1984, studies at the KGB High School in Moscow

Putin is appointed a Major

Assigned to recruit spies in Dresden, East Germany

From 1985 to 1990 the KGB stationed Putin in Dresden, East Germany

Assumes a position with the International Affairs section of Leningrad State University, reporting to Vice Rector Yuriy Molchanov

Putin was recalled to the Soviet Union and returned to Leningrad, where in June 1991 he assumed a position with the International Affairs section of Leningrad State University, reporting to Vice Rector Yuriy Molchanov

Putin was recalled to the Soviet Union and returned to Leningrad, where in June 1991 he assumed a position with the International Affairs section of Leningrad State University, reporting to Vice Rector Yuriy Molchanov

The final Comecon council session takes place June 28, 1991 in Budapest, and led to an agreement to disband within 90 days

Putin resigns from the state security services during the KGB-supported abortive putsch against Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev

Putin resigns from the state security services during the KGB-supported abortive putsch against Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev

Putin resigns from the state security services during the KGB-supported abortive putsch against Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev

Appointed First Deputy Head of the Administration of the city of Saint Petersburg

Putin leads the St. Petersburg branch of the pro-Government Our Home Is Russia political party

A border conflict occurs between Egypt & the Sudan

Appointed Deputy Chief of the Presidential Property Management Department headed by Pavel Borodin

Boris Yeltsin appoints Putin Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff

Appointed Chief of the Main Control Directorate of the Presidential Property Management Department

Named head of Russias FSB domestic intelligence agency

Named head of Russias FSB domestic intelligence agency

The Duma postpones a scheduled vote on START II ratification to protest NATO's bombing campaign against Yugoslavia, which started after Serbia refused to halt military actions against Kosovar Albanians seeking autonomy

The Duma postpones a scheduled vote on START II ratification to protest NATO's bombing campaign against Yugoslavia, which started after Serbia refused to halt military actions against Kosovar Albanians seeking autonomy

The Duma postpones a scheduled vote on START II ratification to protest NATO's bombing campaign against Yugoslavia, which started after Serbia refused to halt military actions against Kosovar Albanians seeking autonomy

The Duma postpones a scheduled vote on START II ratification to protest NATO's bombing campaign against Yugoslavia, which started after Serbia refused to halt military actions against Kosovar Albanians seeking autonomy

Appointed acting Prime Minister of the Government of the Russian Federation by President Boris Yeltsin

Yeltsin elevates the obscure Putin to the position of Prime Minister, and shortly thereafter designates him as his successor

Putin cuts ties with the elected Government of Chechnya

Putin plans to resettle thousands of Chechens in areas under Russian control, an indication that Moscow plans to split Chechnya in two

Putin plans to resettle thousands of Chechens in areas under Russian control, an indication that Moscow plans to split Chechnya in two

Russia allows thousands of refugees to flee Chechnya and the crossing at the Sleptsovskaya border reaches 500 people per hour

Putin pledges his support to the newly formed Unity Party which wins the second largest percentage of the popular vote (23,32%) in the Duma elections

Putin pledges his support to the newly formed Unity Party which wins the second largest percentage of the popular vote (23,32%) in the Duma elections

Putin pledges his support to the newly formed Unity Party which wins the second largest percentage of the popular vote (23,32%) in the Duma elections

Putin pledges his support to the newly formed Unity Party which wins the second largest percentage of the popular vote (23,32%) in the Duma elections

Yeltsin resigns

Yeltsin unexpectedly resigns and, according to the constitution, Putin becomes (acting) President of the Russian Federation

Yeltsin unexpectedly resigns and, according to the constitution, Putin becomes (acting) President of the Russian Federation

Yeltsin announces his resignation and hands power over to Prime Minister Putin. Appointed President of Russia, acting

Unitys electoral success gives Yeltsin the confidence to resign in favour of Prime Minister Putin (who becomes Acting President upon Yeltsins resignation)

Putin divides Russias 89 regions into 7 federal districts headed by a Kremlin representative

Putin fires Tatyana Dyachenko, daughter of Boris Yeltsin and Kremlin image adviser from her post in one of his first official acts, moving quickly to distance himself from Yeltsins scandal-tinged administration

Putin fires Tatyana Dyachenko, daughter of Boris Yeltsin and Kremlin image adviser from her post in one of his first official acts, moving quickly to distance himself from Yeltsins scandal-tinged administration

K-141 Kursk actually sank in the Barents Sea on 12 August 2000; this supplied January record describes an unrelated Kremlin personnel decision.

Russia announces a suspension of aerial bombardment in Grozny to allow civilians to escape

Rebels attack Russian positions in Argun, Shali and Gudermes as Russia continues a bombing halt for the Orthodox Christmas

Putin announces a 20% increase in pensions ahead of the Mar 26 elections

Putin announces a 20% increase in pensions ahead of the Mar 26 elections

Russia publishes the 21-page "Concept on National Security" that details the scenarios under which it would use nuclear weapons

Russia publishes the 21-page "Concept on National Security" that details the scenarios under which it would use nuclear weapons

Putin announces that federal forces had scored a major victory in Chechnya

Putin announces that federal forces had scored a major victory in Chechnya

The Government announces that it will raise the minimum price for a bottle of vodka by 30% at the end of the month

Russian agents capture Salman Raduyev, a Chechen warlord

Putin signs a decree to re-establish the "special departments" (FSB) to seek out political disloyalty in the military

Russia and NATO announce a resumption of contacts that were broken in Mar 1999 due to NATO bombing in Yugoslavia

Russia and NATO announce a resumption of contacts that were broken in Mar 1999 due to NATO bombing in Yugoslavia

Russia and NATO announce a resumption of contacts that were broken in Mar 1999 due to NATO bombing in Yugoslavia

Russia and NATO announce a resumption of contacts that were broken in Mar 1999 due to NATO bombing in Yugoslavia

Russia and NATO announce a resumption of contacts that were broken in Mar 1999 due to NATO bombing in Yugoslavia

Russia is accused by human rights groups and refugees of brutality toward Chechens in camps

Russia is accused by human rights groups and refugees of brutality toward Chechens in camps. Putin names Vladimir Kalamanov, Head of the Migration service, to look into allegations of torture, rape and executions by Russian soldiers against Chechen civilians

Putin names Vladimir Kalamanov, Head of the Migration service, to look into allegations of torture, rape and executions by Russian soldiers against Chechen civilians

Putin says that Russia will consider joining NATO if it is treated as an equal partner

Putin says that Russia will consider joining NATO if it is treated as an equal partner

Putin says that Russia will consider joining NATO if it is treated as an equal partner

Russias food supply is threatened with a virulent strain of potato blight and livestock feed shortages were forecast

Presidential elections are held, Putin wins in the first round, becomes the 2nd post-Communist President with 52.5% vote

Putin calls for a quick ratification of the START II Nuclear arms reduction Treaty and deeper cuts in nuclear missiles

Putin calls for a quick ratification of the START II Nuclear arms reduction Treaty and deeper cuts in nuclear missiles

The Russian Duma (lower house of Parliament) overwhelmingly approves the START II ratification legislation 288-131 with four abstentions. The Duma finally raties the Treaty, in a largely symbolic move since the ratification was made contingent on preserving the ABM Treaty, which it was clear the US was not prepared to do

The Duma finally raties the Treaty, in a largely symbolic move since the ratification was made contingent on preserving the ABM Treaty, which it was clear the US was not prepared to do

The Russian Duma (lower house of Parliament) overwhelmingly approves the START II ratification legislation 288-131 with four abstentions. The Duma finally raties the Treaty, in a largely symbolic move since the ratification was made contingent on preserving the ABM Treaty, which it was clear the US was not prepared to do

The Duma finally raties the Treaty, in a largely symbolic move since the ratification was made contingent on preserving the ABM Treaty, which it was clear the US was not prepared to do

Putin meets Tony Blair and promises to implement economic reforms and root out corruption

Putin wins the election

Putin declares direct rule over Chechnya from Moscow. former Chechen cleric Akhmad Kadyrov is appointed as administrative head

Putin signs the resolution of ratification for START II and its extension protocol, the legislation makes exchange of the instruments of ratification (required to bring the Treaty into force) contingent on US ratification of the 1997 extension protocol

Putin is inaugurated, he names Mikhail Kasyanof as Prime Minister and pledges to restore the country to world-power status

Appointed President of Russia

Putin abolishes the chief agency for environmental protection and transferred its powers to a ministry that hands out oil and gas leases

Putin unveils a new plan to revive the economy that includes a flat 13% income tax

Putin unveils a new plan to revive the economy that includes a flat 13% income tax

Putin unveils a new plan to revive the economy that includes a flat 13% income tax

Putin signs the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, it will not be effective until the US and other nations also approve

Putin signs the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, it will not be effective until the US and other nations also approve

Clinton meets Putin in Moscow and begins discussions on trade, missile defense and nuclear arms control

Clinton and Putin agree to each dispose 34 metric tons of weapons-grade nuclear plutonium and to establish a military centre in Moscow for US and Russian officers to share early warning data on missile and space launches

Clinton and Putin agree to each dispose 34 metric tons of weapons-grade nuclear plutonium and to establish a military centre in Moscow for US and Russian officers to share early warning data on missile and space launches

Putin takes personal control over Chechnya, a provisional Government is planned headed by a Kremlin-appointed official

Putin takes personal control over Chechnya, a provisional Government is planned headed by a Kremlin-appointed official

Putin proposes a Moscow-based early warning centre for nuclear missile launches around the world

Putin makes his first state of the nation address and calls for increased power to the central Government to overcome a bleak diagnosis of the countrys ills

Putin makes his first state of the nation address and calls for increased power to the central Government to overcome a bleak diagnosis of the countrys ills

Jiang Zemin and Putin denounce the US proposed missile defense program as a violation of the 1972 ABM Treaty, they also vow to strengthen a strategic partnership between their countries

The Duma passes legislation giving Putin the right to fire provincial governors and takes away the governors automatic immunity and membership in the Federation Council

The Duma passes legislation giving Putin the right to fire provincial governors and takes away the governors automatic immunity and membership in the Federation Council

A nuclear submarine sinks in the Barents Sea with a loss of all its crew

Kursk was lost during a Northern Fleet exercise after explosions in the forward torpedo compartment; all 118 people aboard died.

Putin sanctions the change of the National Anthem of Russia to restore the music of the pre-1991 Soviet anthem, but with new words

Russia signs a Treaty of Frienship with China, during Zemins visit to Moscow

Russia signs a Treaty of Frienship with China, during Zemins visit to Moscow

Putin says Russia is ready for closer relationship with NATO

Putin says Russia is ready for closer relationship with NATO

Putin says Russia is ready for closer relationship with NATO

The START II Treaty is officially bypassed by the SORT Treaty, agreed to by Presidents George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin at their summit meeting in November 2001, and signed at Moscow Summit on May 24, 2002

The START II Treaty is officially bypassed by the SORT Treaty, agreed to by Presidents George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin at their summit meeting in November 2001, and signed at Moscow Summit on May 24, 2002

The START II Treaty is officially bypassed by the SORT Treaty, agreed to by Presidents George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin at their summit meeting in November 2001, and signed at Moscow Summit on May 24, 2002

The START II Treaty is officially bypassed by the SORT Treaty, agreed to by Presidents George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin at their summit meeting in November 2001, and signed at Moscow Summit on May 24, 2002

Russia & the USA will cut their nuclear arsenals from 6,000 to 2,000 over 10 yrs. Russia & the USA announce a new agreement on strategic nuclear weapons reduction. Russian & NATO agree to establish a NATO Council

Russian & NATO agree to establish a NATO Council

Russian & NATO agree to establish a NATO Council

Both sides agree to reduce operationally deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,700 from 2,200 by 2012

The START II Treaty is officially bypassed by the SORT Treaty, agreed to by Presidents George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin at their summit meeting in November 2001, and signed at Moscow Summit on May 24, 2002. Both sides agree to reduce operationally deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,700 from 2,200 by 2012

The START II Treaty is officially bypassed by the SORT Treaty, agreed to by Presidents George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin at their summit meeting in November 2001, and signed at Moscow Summit on May 24, 2002. Both sides agree to reduce operationally deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,700 from 2,200 by 2012

Russia and the United States sign the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty in Moscow, which calls for each country to deploy no more than 1,700-2,200 strategic warheads

Russia and the United States sign the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty in Moscow, which calls for each country to deploy no more than 1,700-2,200 strategic warheads

On June 14, 2002, one day after the US withdrew from the ABM Treaty, Russia announces that it would no longer consider itself to be bound by START II provisions

Russian President Vladimir Putin declares that Russia is no longer bound by its signature of START II, ending his countrys efforts to bring the Treaty into force. On June 14, 2002, one day after the US withdrew from the ABM Treaty, Russia announces that it would no longer consider itself to be bound by START II provisions

Russian President Vladimir Putin declares that Russia is no longer bound by its signature of START II, ending his countrys efforts to bring the Treaty into force

Rebels sieze a theatre & hold 800 hostage, 120 are killed

Suicide bombers attack the HQ of the Government Grozny, 50 are killed

Suicide bombers attack the HQ of the Government Grozny, 50 are killed

A referendum is held in Chechnya adopting a new constitution which declares the Republic as a part of Russia

Agrees to the establishment of coalition military bases in Central Asia before and during the US-led invasion of Afghanistan

Putin opposes Washingtons move to invade Iraq without the benefit of a United Nations Security Council resolution explicitly authorizing the use of military force

Putin opposes Washingtons move to invade Iraq without the benefit of a United Nations Security Council resolution explicitly authorizing the use of military force

The Chechen referendum votes in favour of joining the Russian Federation. A referendum is held in Chechnya adopting a new constitution which declares the Republic as a part of Russia

A referendum is held in Chechnya adopting a new constitution which declares the Republic as a part of Russia

The Chechen referendum votes in favour of joining the Russian Federation

Putin meets Blair & disagrees with the coalitions reasons for going to war with Iraq

The Russian Parliament ratifies the Offensive Reduction Treaty

50 are killed during a suicide bombing of a Government building in Chechnya

The Russian Parliament ratifies the Offensive Reduction Treaty

President Putin signs the Kyoto Protocol Treaty designed to reduce green house gasses

President Putin signs the Kyoto Protocol Treaty designed to reduce green house gasses

Putin wins the re-election to the presidency for a 2nd term, earning 71 percent of the vote. Putin is elected to the presidency for a 2nd term, receiving 71% of the vote

Beslan school hostage crisis, Russian police and soldiers storm the school, 344 civilians and 31 of 32 hostage-takers are killed

Creates the Public Chamber of Russia & launches an initiative to replace the direct election governors & presidents of Federal subjects of Russia proposed by the President & approved by the legslature

Creates the Public Chamber of Russia & launches an initiative to replace the direct election governors & presidents of Federal subjects of Russia proposed by the President & approved by the legslature

Creates the Public Chamber of Russia & launches an initiative to replace the direct election governors & presidents of Federal subjects of Russia proposed by the President & approved by the legslature

Prosecution of Russias richest man, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, President of Yukos oil company, for fraud and tax evasion

Visits the Ukraine twice before the election to show his support for Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych and congratulated him on his alleged victory before the official election results had been announced

Putin and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder negotiate the construction of a major gas pipeline over the Baltic exclusively between Russia and Germany

This record states: A study by Bank of Finlands Institute for Economies in Transition (BOFIT) found that state intervention had made a positive impact on the corporate governance of many companies in Russia.

This record states: Putin and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder negotiate the construction of a major gas pipeline over the Baltic exclusively between Russia and Germany.

This record states: The National Priority Projects were launched to improve Russias health care, education, housing and agriculture.

This record states: The governance was better in companies with state control or with a stake held by the Government.

Putin and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder negotiate the construction of a major gas pipeline over the Baltic exclusively between Russia and Germany

The National Priority Projects were launched to improve Russias health care, education, housing and agriculture

The responsibility for the federal prisons is transferred from the Interior Ministry to the Ministry of Justice

Russia had become a full-fledged member of the G8 and chairs the group in the calendar year of 2006

Frances president Jacques Chirac awards Vladimir Putin the dignity of the Grand Cross of the Legion dHonneur, the French highest decoration, to celebrate his contribution to the friendship between the two countries. Russia had become a full-fledged member of the G8 and chairs the group in the calendar year of 2006

Strained relations between Russia and the United Kingdom in the wake of the death by poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in London

Frances president Jacques Chirac awards Vladimir Putin the dignity of the Grand Cross of the Legion dHonneur, the French highest decoration, to celebrate his contribution to the friendship between the two countries

Frances president Jacques Chirac awards Vladimir Putin the dignity of the Grand Cross of the Legion dHonneur, the French highest decoration, to celebrate his contribution to the friendship between the two countries

In his Annual speech Putin proposes increasing maternity benefits and prenatal care for women

Anna Politkovskaya, a journalist who exposed corruption in the Russian army and its conduct in Chechnya, was shot in the lobby of her apartment building, the death of Politkovskaya triggered an outcry in Western media, with accusations that Putin had failed to protect the countrys new independent media

At the Munich Conference on Security Policy, criticises the USAs dominance in global relations, and points out that the USA displayed an "almost uncontained hyper use of force in international relations". At the Munich Conference on Security Policy, criticizes what he calls the United States monopolistic dominance in global relations, and pointed out that the US displayed an "almost uncontained hyper use of force in international relations"

Proposes certain initiatives such as establishing international centres for the enrichment of uranium and prevention of deploying weapons in outer space

"Dissenters Marches" are organized by the opposition group The Other Russia, led by former chess champion Garry Kasparov and national-Bolshevist leader Eduard Limonov

"Dissenters Marches" are organized by the opposition group The Other Russia, led by former chess champion Garry Kasparov and national-Bolshevist leader Eduard Limonov

At the Munich Conference on Security Policy, criticises the USAs dominance in global relations, and points out that the USA displayed an "almost uncontained hyper use of force in international relations"

Calls for "fair and democratic world order that would ensure security and prosperity not only for a select few, but for all". At the Munich Conference on Security Policy, criticises the USAs dominance in global relations, and points out that the USA displayed an "almost uncontained hyper use of force in international relations"

Saudi King Abdullah awards Putin the King Abdul Aziz Award, Saudi Arabias top civilian decoration

Saudi King Abdullah awards Putin the King Abdul Aziz Award, Saudi Arabias top civilian decoration

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown expelled four Russian envoys over Russias refusal to extradite Andrei Lugovoi to face charges on the alleged murder of Litvinenko

United Russia won 64.24% of the popular vote in their run for State Duma according to election preliminary results, United Russias victory isseen by many as an indication of strong popular support of the then Russian leadership and its policies

United Russia won 64.24% of the popular vote in their run for State Duma according to election preliminary results, United Russias victory isseen by many as an indication of strong popular support of the then Russian leadership and its policies

The Great Recession hit the Russian economy especially hard, interrupting the flow of cheap Western credit and investments which coincided with tension in relationships with the EU and the US following the 2008 South Ossetia war, in which Russia invaded neighboring Georgia populated by less than 5 million people

The Great Recession hit the Russian economy especially hard, interrupting the flow of cheap Western credit and investments which coincided with tension in relationships with the EU and the US following the 2008 South Ossetia war, in which Russia invaded neighboring Georgia populated by less than 5 million people

Due to constitutionally mandated term limits, Putin was ineligible to run for a third consecutive Presidential term, his successor, Dmitry Medvedev nominates Putin to be Russian Prime Minister

Putin was barred from a third term by the Constitution, First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was elected his successor, in a power-switching operation on 8 May 2008, only a day after handing the presidency to Medvedev, Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia, maintaining his political dominance

Elected Prime Minister of Russia

Putin was barred from a third term by the Constitution, First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was elected his successor, in a power-switching operation on 8 May 2008, only a day after handing the presidency to Medvedev, Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia, maintaining his political dominance

Putin was barred from a third term by the Constitution, First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was elected his successor, in a power-switching operation on 8 May 2008, only a day after handing the presidency to Medvedev, Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia, maintaining his political dominance

Elected Prime Minister of Russia. Due to constitutionally mandated term limits, Putin was ineligible to run for a third consecutive Presidential term, his successor, Dmitry Medvedev nominates Putin to be Russian Prime Minister

Russiann relations worsen after Tbilisi detaines four Russians whom it said were spies. Russia cuts transport and postal links with Georgia and expels hundreds of Georgians alleged to be living in Russia illegally, police also crack down on Georgian businesses in Moscow

The conflict over South Ossetia also appears to have widened, with Georgia accusing Russia of capturing the town of Gori, just 76km (47 miles) from Tbilisi

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

Moscow says it had launched a raid on the town of Senaki to stop Georgia from attacking Russian forces in South Ossetia, another breakaway region. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

Russia, which supports the South Osettias bid for separation, bombs targets throughout Georgia and moves troops into the region and into Abkhazia.

Russian troops enter Georgia from the breakaway region of Abkhazia, as the conflict between the two neighbours appears to be broadening. Russia advances beyond the borders of Abkhazia, saying it had launched an operation in the town of Senaki.

The conflict over South Ossetia also appears to have widened, with Georgia accusing Russia of capturing the town of Gori, just 76km (47 miles) from Tbilisi.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

The conflict over South Ossetia also appears to have widened, with Georgia accusing Russia of capturing the town of Gori, just 76km (47 miles) from Tbilisi

Russia, which supports the South Osettias bid for separation, bombs targets throughout Georgia and moves troops into the region and into Abkhazia

Russia, which supports the South Osettias bid for separation, bombs targets throughout Georgia and moves troops into the region and into Abkhazia

Moscow says it had launched a raid on the town of Senaki to stop Georgia from attacking Russian forces in South Ossetia, another breakaway region

Large reserves accumulated in Russia's Stabilization Fund during high oil prices, together with strong management, helped the country withstand the crisis and resume growth by mid-2009.

The World Bank praised the government's anti-crisis measures in its November 2008 Russia Economic Report.

The report said prudent fiscal management and substantial reserves had protected Russia from deeper consequences of the external shock.

At the United Russia Congress Medvedev officially proposed that Putin stand for the Presidency in 2012, an offer Putin accepted. Given United Russias near-total dominance of Russian politics, many observers believed that Putin was all but assured of a third term

At the United Russia Congress Medvedev officially proposed that Putin stand for the Presidency in 2012, an offer Putin accepted. Given United Russias near-total dominance of Russian politics, many observers believed that Putin was all but assured of a third term

Putin won the 2012 Russian presidential elections in the first round, with 63.6% of the vote

On his first day as President, Putin issued 14 Presidential decrees, which are sometimes called the "May Decrees" by the media, including a lengthy one stating wide-ranging goals for the Russian economy

Putins presidency is inaugurated in the Kremlin

On his first day as President, Putin issued 14 Presidential decrees, which are sometimes called the "May Decrees" by the media, including a lengthy one stating wide-ranging goals for the Russian economy

Putins presidency is inaugurated in the Kremlin

Putin and the United Russia party backed stricter legislation against the LGBT community, in Saint Petersburg, Archangelsk and Novosibirsk; a law against "homosexual propaganda" (which prohibits such symbols as the rainbow flag as well as published works containing homosexual content) was adopted by the State Duma

Putin and the United Russia party backed stricter legislation against the LGBT community, in Saint Petersburg, Archangelsk and Novosibirsk; a law against "homosexual propaganda" (which prohibits such symbols as the rainbow flag as well as published works containing homosexual content) was adopted by the State Duma