From a harsh childhood in post-war Leningrad to becoming one of the world's most powerful leaders, Vladimir Putin's rise is a story of survival, discipline and ambition. Growing up in poverty in a crowded, rat-infested communal apartment, he developed street-smart instincts and a fascination for strength and control. His early mastery of martial arts, especially judo, shaped both his personality and his political style. Putin's journey from obscurity to the pinnacle of Russian power reflects a lifelong ability to seize opportunities and mould circumstances to his advantage.