On December 31, Russia marks 25 years since Vladimir Putin took over from Boris Yeltsin as president. Yeltsin’s unexpected resignation ushered in a new era, with Putin promising to maintain order and constitutionality. Initially met with optimism, Putin’s rule has seen economic growth but gradually tightened control over dissent and media. Key events include the suppression of critical voices, the annexation of Crimea, and the contentious Ukraine invasion, which have severely impacted Russia’s international relations and internal stability.