Vladimir Putin: Interesting Facts and Questionable Stunts

Growing Up In The Slums Of Russia

Not growing up wealthy by any means, Putin was born to a Soviet family in Leningrad, Russia which is now Saint Petersburg. He lived in a cramped and uncomfortable communal apartment block with his parents, siblings, as well as three other families. Living in slum-like conditions, described as being almost lawless, one of his daily duties was to hunt and kill the rats plaguing the stairwells of the communal living space. Definitely not a job expected of most children, it may explain a lot about his policies, expectations, and worldview. It’s also a foreshadowing of his future work as a spy in the KGB.