How tall is Putin? Russian president has been accused of having 'small man syndrome'
| Full Name | Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin |
| Date of Birth | 7 October, 1952 |
| Age | 70 (as of 2023) |
| Place of Birth | Saint Petersburg, Russia |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) approx |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) approx |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Net Worth | Believed to be around $200 billion |
| Ex-wife | Lyudmila Putina |
| Children | Officially 2 - Maria and Katerina |
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Standing at 5 ft 7 in (approximately 170 cm), Vladimir Putin, a name synonymous with power and influence, has left an indelible mark on the world stage.
From his multiple titles as the world's most influential individual between 2013 and 2016 to his strategic maneuverings in global politics, Putin's legacy is etched in the annals of history.
A former intelligence officer, his prowess in political matters has significantly bolstered Russia's standing on the world map.
Yet, beyond his political achievements, there exists an intriguing curiosity about the Russian president's physical stature, particularly Vladimir Putin's height.
One question that often arises about Putin is: How tall is he? Interestingly, the answer might not align with the larger-than-life image many hold of him.
The truth is that Vladimir Putin's height stands at an estimated 5 ft 7 in (170 cm), according to The Week.
To put this in perspective, this places him at the same height as renowned American actor Tom Cruise and aligns with the average height for American and Russian men aged between 40 and 49.
Does Putin have a Napoleon complex?
As discussions around Vladimir Putin's height extend beyond the physical to the metaphorical, some critics have resorted to jibes about his stature.
The term "Napoleon complex," often attributed to individuals of shorter stature who exhibit an assertive demeanor, has made its appearance in discussions about Putin.
Figures like Britain’s Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and US Republican Senator Mitt Romney have employed terms like "lunatic" and "small man syndrome" to describe Putin's demeanor.
However, it's important to note that at an estimated 5 ft 7 in, Putin's height is not notably shorter than the global average for adult men.
This observation has led The New European to refer to the rising cohort of modern-day leaders as the "new generation of short kings," of which Putin is a part.
Who is taller: Vladimir Putin or Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
In the backdrop of Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, parallels are being drawn between Putin and other leaders, particularly Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
As casualties mount and tensions escalate, the focus turns to the personal attributes of these leaders, height being one of them.
Interestingly, both Putin and Zelenskyy stand at an approximate height of 5 ft 7 in (170 cm), albeit some credible sources list Zelenskyy slightly shorter at just 5 ft 5¾ in (167 cm).
This shared stature opens the door to comparisons, yet it's worth noting that Zelenskyy, at 45 years old, holds an age advantage over the 70-year-old Putin.
Who is taller: Vladimir Putin or Elon Musk?
Amid heightened geopolitical tensions, another figure emerges in the form of Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla. Musk's outspoken views on Putin and his active support for Ukraine have garnered attention.
He has even issued challenges to Putin, although the latter has remained non-responsive.
Elon Musk, standing at 6 ft 2 in (approximately 188 cm) and weighing around 180 lbs (approximately 82 kg), presents a notable contrast to Putin's 5 ft 7 in (approximately 170 cm) height and weight of around 154 lbs (approximately 70 kg), per HoodMWR.
While Musk has an advantage when it comes to physical stature, Putin notably has previous combat experience owing to his long tenure as a KGB officer.
How long can Putin be the president?
Vladimir Putin's presence on the political stage has been enduring, owing in part to the amendments to the Russian constitution passed in 2021.
These amendments extend his eligibility to serve as the country's president until the year 2036 when he will be 83 years old.
These changes mark a departure from the previous limit of two consecutive four-year terms, allowing Putin to extend his tenure by another 12 years.
Putin's presidency, which commenced in 2000, has seen him re-elected multiple times, reflecting his significant influence and the complex political landscape he navigates.
His current term is slated to end in 2024, and the constitutional changes pave the way for an extended period of leadership, according to Fox Business.
Who is the most powerful man in Russia?
Within the intricate tapestry of Russian politics, another figure emerges – Igor Ivanovich Sechin.
As a Russian oligarch and government official, Sechin's association with Vladimir Putin spans decades, positioning him as a confidant and a significant player in the country's power dynamics.
Widely regarded as one of the most powerful individuals in Russia, Sechin's influence is often equated to that of Putin himself.
Considered a "de facto deputy" of Putin, Sechin's presence highlights the intricate network of power within the Russian political landscape, per CNBC.
Putin's life history
Early life
Vladimir Putin, a former intelligence officer, has been the President of Russia since 2012. He has held multiple positions as president or prime minister since 1999, making him the longest-serving Russian or Soviet leader since Joseph Stalin.
Putin worked as a KGB foreign intelligence officer for 16 years before resigning in 1991 to pursue a political career.
He briefly served as the director of the Federal Security Service and secretary of the Security Council of Russia before being appointed prime minister in 1999.
He served as president under Dmitry Medvedev and was reelected in 2018. During his first term, the Russian economy grew by 7% per year, and he led Russia in a conflict against Chechen separatists.
However, his rule has led to endemic corruption and widespread human rights violations, with Russia consistently receiving low scores on various indexes.
Putin is the longest-serving Russian president and the second-longest-serving European president.
Education
Putin began his education at School No 193 in 1960 and began practicing sambo and judo at 12. He studied German at Saint Petersburg High School 281 and graduated in 1975 from Leningrad State University.
He joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) and met Anatoly Sobchak, who later became a co-author of the Russian constitution and fled to France after corruption allegations.
In 1997, he received his PhD in economics from Saint Petersburg Mining University.
Foray into politics
Vladimir Putin, a former KGB member, was appointed as an advisor to Leningrad's mayor in 1990. He held various positions in Saint Petersburg and Moscow before becoming the fifth prime minister in 1999.
Putin signed the first presidential decree, "On guarantees for the former president of the Russian Federation and the members of his family," ensuring corruption charges against Boris Yeltsin and his relatives would not be pursued.
Putin's inauguration took place in 2000, and he appointed Mikhail Kasyanov as prime minister.
Putin faced criticism for alleged mishandling of the Kursk submarine disaster and worked on reconstruction, reaching a 'grand bargain' with Russian oligarchs in exchange for support.
In 2008-2012, he was barred from a third consecutive term, and in 2012, he won the presidential election with 63.6% of the vote.
In 2015, President Putin authorized Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war, including air strikes and cruise missile strikes. After withdrawing most of its forces, Russia continued to support the Syrian government.
In 2017, a US intelligence community assessment suggested Putin personally ordered an influence campaign against Hillary Clinton, but Trump denied it.
In 2018, Putin won the presidential election and began his fourth term, forming a new government and opening the 21st FIFA World Cup. In 2019, Putin allegedly interfered with regional elections and manipulated the results.
In July 2021, Putin denounced Ukraine as an independent nation and declared the NATO expansion in Ukraine a "red line" issue. In February 2022, he announced a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, citing "denazification" to protect Donbas.
The invasion was met with international condemnation, leading to sanctions and calls for Putin to be pursued with war crime charges.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigated the possibility of war crimes in Ukraine in late 2013, and the United States pledged to help prosecute Putin and others.
In September, Putin announced partial mobilization and annexed Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts into the Russian Federation.
In June 2023, the Wagner Group rebelled against the Russian government, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Prigozhin agreed to stand down and withdraw from Rostov-on-Don but was killed in a business jet crash in Tver Oblast two months later.
Family and relationships
Putin married Lyudmila Shkrebneva in 1983 and they had two daughters, Mariya and Yekaterina. In 2008, the Moskovsky Korrespondent reported that Putin had divorced Lyudmila and was engaged to Olympic gold medalist Alina Kabaeva.
The couple announced their marriage in 2013, and the divorce was finalized in 2014. Kabaeva gave birth to a daughter and twin sons, but the reports were denied.
Putin has two grandsons and a granddaughter. His cousin, Igor Putin, was accused of money-laundering scandals.
What are Putin’s favorite things?
Putin is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of interests and hobbies. He is an avid reader, a fan of classic Russian literature, and a passionate historian.
He attends historical exhibitions and engages in discussions to gain insights into past events.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his daughters Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova, ensuring their privacy and well-being.
Career achievements
Putin has received numerous awards and honors from Russia, academic institutions, and foreign politicians and countries.
He has received the Order of Ho Chi Minh, Order of Ismoili Somoni, Order of Abdulaziz al Saud, Order of Zayed, Order of Liberator, Order of the Friendship of Peoples, Order of Saint-Charles, Order of Jose Marti, Order of the Republic of Serbia, Order of Manas, Order of Friendship of China, Order of Agostinho Neto, Order of Agostinho Neto, Order of Saint Sava, and Confucius Peace Prize.
In 2011, Putin was awarded the Confucius Peace Prize by the China International Peace Research Centre for his opposition to NATO's Libya bombing in 2011 and his decision to go to war in Chechnya in 1999.
He also received the 9th Dan Black Belt - World Taekwondo in November 2013. In 2007, Putin was named Person of the Year by a Russian business-oriented weekly magazine.
He also received the Vladimir Putin Avenue in Grozny, the capital of Russia's Republic of Chechnya, and a peak in the Tian Shan Mountains named after him by the Kyrgyzstan parliament.
Comparison between world leaders' heights and public perception
Vladimir Putin or Donald Trump, who is taller?
Donald Trump's height is 6ft 3 inches (190.5 cm), making Putin 8 inches shorter with a height of 5 ft 7 in. The 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, is renowned for his various controversies and extravagant appearance.
Vladimir Putin's height compared to Joe Biden
Joe Biden stands at an impressive height of 6 ft (182.88 cm) which means that Putin is 5 inches shorter than his political competitor.
Biden shares a lineage with Abraham Lincoln, who stood at 6 feet 4 inches. The average height for American males has risen over time, making Biden's height closer to the norm.
Height difference between Vladimir Putin and Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau is 7 inches taller than Putin with a height of 6 ft 2 in (1.87 m or 187 cm). Trudeau is a Canadian politician and the 23rd prime minister of Canada.
He won the leadership of the Liberal Party in 2013 and led his party to victory in the 2015 federal election, becoming the second-youngest prime minister in Canadian history.
What is Vladimir Putin's religion?
Putin, a Russian Orthodox leader, was baptized as a baby by his mother, who was a devoted Christian. His religious awakening began after a car crash and a fire in 1996.
Putin's mother gave him his baptismal cross, which he has never taken off since.
However, he has denied believing in God, stating that it would appear self-advertising or political striptease. His rumored confessor is Russian Orthodox Bishop Tikhon Shevkunov.