Putin's rise to powerPutin got a taste of power and manipulation on a rainy night in Dresden, East Germany, as the Iron Curtain began to collapse. Photos: Russian President Vladimir Putin Photos: Russian President Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin is a popular but polarizing figure who has dominated Russian politics for more than a decade. Hide Caption 2 of 35 Photos: Russian President Vladimir Putin Putin poses with his parents, Vladimir and Maria, in 1985. Hide Caption 6 of 35 Photos: Russian President Vladimir Putin Putin takes the presidential oath next to Yeltsin in May 2000. Hide Caption 9 of 35 Photos: Russian President Vladimir Putin Putin meets Pope John Paul II in Rome in June 2000.

Source: CNN March 13, 2017 12:56 UTC