Vladimir Putin: The Enigmatic Rise to Power (Part - 1)
Table of Contents Early Life in Leningrad Academic Pursuits Influence of Anatoly Sobchak The Yeltsin Era The Putin Proposition Putin's Appointment as Prime Minister The Mysterious Bombings 1. Early Life in Leningrad Vladimir Putin's story commences in the city now known as St. Petersburg, formerly Leningrad. Born into a middle-class family, he faced early tragedy with the loss of two elder brothers even before his birth. His father served in the Russian Navy, while his mother toiled in a small factory nearby, making for a humble beginning. Growing up, Putin confronted bullying by local ruffians in his neighborhood. This firsthand experience of childhood torment fueled his determination to learn Judo at the tender age of 12. Despite his slender build, he proved his mettle by mastering Judo, a skill that would serve him well in later life. 2. Academic Pursuits Putin's academic journey took an interesting turn after he submitted his thesis at Leningrad State University in 1975