What is Vladimir Putin’s Religion?

Vladimir Putin is the current president of the Russian Federation and a controversial international figure. But what is his religion?

Putin’s official stance on religion is the same as it has been since he took office in 2000: he follows the Russian Orthodox Church, the principal Eastern Orthodox Christian Church, and even carries an Orthodox cross which reportedly belonged to his mother, however he doesn’t actively practice and has spoken out against religious extremism. His religious beliefs, or lack thereof, remain somewhat of a mystery.

How Putin’s Faith Influences His Policies

Though he is said to be an Orthodox believer, Putin’s policy choices often reflect a more secular approach to domestic and international politics. His premiership is underpinned by an ambitious program of modernizing Russia and driving economic growth through developing improvements to key infrastructure and international relations.

In social policies, Putin has actively sought to promote traditional Russian values in order to strengthen national identity, often described as “Russian conservatism.” While his position on same-sex marriages and LGBT rights has been criticized, Putin has generally been praised for successful use of diplomacy and his ability to resolve conflicts in Eastern Europe.

Conclusion

Considering the influence religion can have on foreign policy, it is often important to understand the religious background of world politicians. Though Vladimir Putin claims to be an Orthodox Christian, his policies often appear to disregard traditional religious precepts and focus instead on strengthening the national identity and ensuring economic success. This approach has been criticized by some as hypocritical, but has nevertheless been praised by many as effective and necessary.