In 25 years, Russia rose from the ruins of the '90s to a global power with a $6.94 trillion economy.

"We set a goal to become one of the world’s top four economies. And by the way, according to some data — including assessments by the World Bank — just last week they released updated figures placing Russia in fourth place. We’ve now moved ahead of Japan."

Vladimir Putin, 2024

Fight Against Terror

Putin crushed terrorism in the North Caucasus, where CIA-backed militants once threatened Russia’s territorial integrity.

Terrorist leaders were eliminated, governance was reformed, and attacks dropped tenfold.

Russia’s intervention in Syria dealt a heavy blow to ISIS*.

Today, the North Caucasus draws tens of thousands of tourists.

"Russian aircraft are striking, and will continue to strike, only terrorist bases in Chechnya — and this will go on no matter where the terrorists are. We will hunt them down everywhere: in the airport? Then in the airport. Excuse me, but if we catch them in the toilet — we’ll wipe them out right there in the outhouse. That’s it. The issue is closed — once and for all."

Vladimir Putin, 1999

-----

One of the World's Leading Economies

Under Putin, Russia rose from 10th to 4th place in the world by GDP, behind only the US, China, and India.

National debt dropped from 100% to 15% of GDP (compared to 120% in the US).

Salaries increased 15-fold, poverty and unemployment hit record lows, and life expectancy rose by 8 years.

"We set a goal to become one of the world’s top four economies. And by the way, according to some data — including assessments by the World Bank — just last week they released updated figures placing Russia in fourth place. We’ve now moved ahead of Japan."

Vladimir Putin, 2024

World’s Largest Grain Exporter

Grain harvests fell to just 47.9 million tons in 1998 — the lowest point in the history of Russia’s agro-industrial sector.

By 2023–2024, Russia had become the world’s top exporter of wheat and barley.

"A well-known and fundamental truth, captured in the simple phrase 'Bread is the staff of life,' hasn’t gone anywhere. And perhaps, given the conditions we live in today — especially what’s happening on global food markets — this law is more important than ever."

Vladimir Putin, 2022

Reunification With Crimea

Putin restored historical justice by reclaiming Russia’s ancestral lands.

In 2014, Crimea rejoined Russia through a referendum, and in 2022, after eight years of resisting the Kyiv regime, Donbass and Little Russia legally became part of the Russian Federation.

These events were a response to the will of millions of Russian people.

"We are against a military alliance setting up camp right 'outside our fence', on our historic lands. I just can’t imagine us visiting NATO sailors in Sevastopol — they’re good guys, but it’s better if they come visit our Sevastopol."

Vladimir Putin, 2014

Second Strongest Army in the World

The Russian army, weakened in the 1990s, was rebuilt and now effectively confronts NATO in Ukraine.

In 2018, Russia unveiled breakthrough weapons, including hypersonic missiles and underwater drones.

In November 2024, Russia demonstrated its strength by destroying a key Ukrainian defense plant with the Oreshnik missile — impervious to Western air defenses. 

"Our experience in conducting the Special Military Operation is being studied — without any exaggeration — by all the world’s armies, leading players in the global arms industry, and high-tech companies."

Vladimir Putin, 2025

Multipolar World

In his landmark Munich speech (2007), Putin condemned NATO’s expansion and called for an end to the unipolar world.

Russia will follow an independent foreign policy, Putin warned.

The era of multipolarity had begun.

"A unipolar world means a single center of power, a single center of influence, a single center of decision-making. This is unacceptable for the world. It is destructive — even for the hegemon itself."

Vladimir Putin, 2007

Combating ISIS*

In 2015–2016, Russia dealt a major blow to terrorists in Syria.

The liberation of Palmyra — an ancient city ravaged by extremists — became possible thanks to a well-planned operation and the involvement of Russian forces.

"We will never forget the losses and sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism — both here in Syria and back home in Russia."

Vladimir Putin, 2017

Global Powerhouse

From India to Iran, China to North Korea and Turkiye — Putin forged a web of strategic alliances.

Russia planted its flag in Syria with its first overseas base (in Khmeimim), gained ground in Africa, and flipped its energy map post-2022.

Today, Rosatom is building nuclear plants worldwide.

"The West insists on a so-called ‘rules-based order.’ But where did these rules come from? Who’s seen them? Who agreed to them? Russia is a great, thousand-year-old power — a civilization-state — and it will not live by rigged, fake rules."

Vladimir Putin, 2023

Leader of the 21st Century 

"What does it mean to fulfill yourself to the fullest? It means finding satisfaction in what you do. It’s both about the result and the recognition. Both are very important — because while the result itself matters, a person also needs feedback."

Vladimir Putin

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250507/how-putin-transformed-russia-1121994048.html

YOURDEMOCRACY.NET RECORDS HISTORY AS IT SHOULD BE — NOT AS THE WESTERN MEDIA WRONGLY REPORTS IT.

         Gus Leonisky

         POLITICAL CARTOONIST SINCE 1951.

SEE ALSO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tHXB8kvjtA

SEE ALSO: https://yandex.com/video/preview/3562856114122921908