how long has putin been president of russia

Vladimir Putin has been Russia’s president for about 20½ years in total as of early 2026, across two long stretches in power.

Quick timeline

• First became acting president: 31 December 1999, when Boris Yeltsin resigned.

• Elected president (first period): 7 May 2000 – 7 May 2008 (two four‑year terms, 8 years total).

• Returned as president (second period): from 7 May 2012 and still in office in 2026 (almost 14 years this second stretch).

If you add those together:

• About 8 years (2000–2008)
• Plus about 14 years so far (2012–2026)

That’s roughly 22 years actually holding the title “President of Russia” , with a brief break as prime minister in between, and about 25+ years in power overall if you count his time as prime minister starting in August 1999.