Many of the actions taken during the Putin presidency have been severely criticized as undemocratic by Western observers. Certain reforms implemented during Putin’s presidency also generated a great deal of domestic opposition similarly for their undemocratic nature. Putin often supports a rather tough guy look in the media, often taking part in dangerous acts such as extreme sports or interacting with wild animals. Putin is often to be seen in the media demonstrating his physical abilities. Indeed, Putin has played a major part in the development of sport in Russia and was extremely influential in helping Sochi win the bid for the Winter Olympics of 2014.

In 1975, Putin graduated from university and joined the KGB, undergoing a year’s training at the 401st KGB school is Okhta, Leningrad. He went on to work for a short spell for counter-intelligence before being transferred to the First Chief Directorate, where his duties involved monitoring foreigners in Leningrad under the cover of being, not led spotlights, but a police officer.