13 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Vladimir Putin

By now, almost everyone knows who Russian President Vladimir Putin is. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there hasn’t been a single day when the Russian leader hasn’t been mentioned in the media—and today is no exception.

We’ve gathered some lesser-known facts about Putin that you might not have heard before. Take a look:

He enjoys swimming in icy waters

He has taken part in Russia’s Orthodox tradition of winter swimming multiple times.

He has played the piano in public

On several occasions, he has performed classical melodies on the piano at state events.

He was a KGB agent in East Germany

He spent years working in Dresden, remaining there until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

He has been photographed with wild animals

Putin has posed with tigers, polar bears, and even cranes, once piloting an ultralight aircraft to “lead” migrating birds.

He has survived multiple assassination attempts

Various assassination plots against him have been reported over the years, but Russian security services claim to have thwarted them all.

Putin holds a black belt in judo

He’s not just a casual sports fan; he has actively trained in judo and sambo, often using his martial arts skills as part of his political image.

His divorce was announced on state television

In 2014, Putin and his wife, Lyudmila, made a carefully choreographed TV appearance to reveal their separation.

He has a habit of posing shirtless

He’s been photographed bare-chested while riding horses, fishing, and engaging in various outdoor activities, fueling endless media coverage.

He once "discovered" ancient artifacts while diving

During a staged TV event, Putin retrieved two ancient amphorae from the seabed, later revealed to have been planted for the stunt.

His infamous Labrador, Koni, intimidated Angela Merkel

Putin reportedly let his black Labrador roam near the German chancellor, fully aware that she had a fear of dogs.

He has strong ties to the Russian Orthodox Church

Putin frequently attends religious ceremonies and has strengthened the church’s role in Russian society.

He has been portrayed as both a hero and a villain in video games

Putin has appeared in multiple video games, often as an antagonist.

Putin has played ice hockey with professional players

He has participated in exhibition games, often scoring multiple goals—though critics are highly skeptical, claiming the matches are "staged." During a victory lap, Putin once tripped over a red carpet, resulting in a comical fall.