Salman Ahmad
History remembers only those leaders who have the vision to foresee the future, who anticipate challenges before they arise, and who prioritize their nation’s interests over personal gains. Russian President Vladimir Putin is undoubtedly one of those leaders. Over the past 25 years, he has not only re-established Russia as a global power but also challenged the Western notion of a unipolar world.
Putin’s rule spans over a quarter of a century, and this is not a result of mere coincidence or accident but a product of strategy, patience, and unwavering resolve. When Boris Yeltsin appointed him as Prime Minister in 1999, few could have predicted that this quiet, observant figure would go on to redefine Russia’s political and military landscape. Following Yeltsin’s sudden resignation in December 1999, Putin became the acting president, and in March 2000, he formally assumed office. At that time, Russia was facing numerous domestic and international crises, including economic instability, Chechen insurgency, and growing Western indifference.
Today, more than 25 years later, Russia stands as a formidable force on the global stage. Upon assuming power, Putin focused on stabilizing Russia’s internal politics. He curbed the unchecked influence of oligarchs, strengthened state control over energy resources, and modernized the Russian military.
His boldest move came in 2014 when he annexed Crimea, shocking the West. The United States and the European Union imposed severe sanctions, predicting an economic collapse for Russia. However, Putin’s strategic partnerships with China and other non-Western nations helped Russia withstand Western economic pressure. The conflict in Ukraine in 2022 further tested his leadership. The West sought to isolate Russia diplomatically, but Putin’s foreign policy acumen prevented such isolation. Through strengthened alliances with BRICS nations, expanding Russian influence in the Middle East and Africa, and maintaining dominance in the European energy market, he countered Western pressure.
In March 2024, Putin secured a resounding victory in Russia’s presidential elections, winning 87% of the vote the highest percentage in post-Soviet Russia’s electoral history. His opponents could barely secure more than 4% of the vote, a testament to his popularity and the Russian people’s trust in his leadership.
Pakistan and Russia have shared a complex history of fluctuating diplomatic ties. During the Cold War, Pakistan was aligned with the United States, while Russia maintained strong ties with India. However, history does not remain stagnant.
Former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was the first Pakistani leader to visit Moscow in 1972, laying the foundation for bilateral relations. His second visit in 1974 led to the establishment of the Karachi Steel Mill, a significant example of Soviet industrial assistance to Pakistan.
However, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s strained relations, as Pakistan, backed by the United States, supported the Mujahideen against Soviet forces. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, diplomatic ties remained cold for years. However, a major shift occurred in 2011 when Pakistan’s then-President Asif Ali Zardari visited Moscow, rekindling bilateral relations.
In 2015, Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif, visited Russia, paving the way for military cooperation. Russia agreed to supply Pakistan with M135 helicopters. In 2016, both countries held joint military exercises, and a $1.7 billion agreement was signed for the construction of the Karachi-Lahore gas pipeline.
Under Putin’s leadership, Russia abandoned its policy of sidelining Pakistan. In 2022, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict was a significant diplomatic step, widely covered by international media. The visit symbolized Pakistan’s independent foreign policy approach and Russia’s willingness to strengthen its ties with Islamabad, despite global tensions.
Putin has restored Russia’s global stature in a way that few leaders could have imagined. Following the Cold War, the West, particularly the United States, believed that Russia would never reclaim its position as a major global power. However, Putin proved them wrong.
He successfully demonstrated that Russia is not merely a regional force but a key player in global affairs. Under his leadership, the world is shifting toward a multipolar order, where decision-making is no longer monopolized by the West. Instead, Russia, China, India, and other emerging economies are asserting their influence in international politics.
After Joseph Stalin, Putin is the longest serving leader in Russian history. Stalin ruled the Soviet Union from 1924 to 1954, with his tenure ending only due to his death at the age of 74. Born on October 7, 1952, Putin is now 73 years old, and his grip on power remains unchallenged. With no serious political opposition in sight, his leadership is expected to continue shaping Russia’s future for years to come.
History remembers leaders who are not only strategists but also visionary’s leaders who foresee the challenges of the future and act accordingly. Putin is a grandmaster in the political chess game, anticipating moves long before they unfold.
In global politics, Putin’s role transcends that of a mere president; he is a statesman who has altered the course of history. Under his leadership, Russia has not only strengthened its internal stability but has also laid the foundation for a new world order one that challenges Western hegemony and promotes a balanced distribution of power in global affairs.
