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Before he came to power and became one of the most influential leaders in the world, Vladimir Putin looked like a hipposter, like a very in love.

Here is a collection of photographs from Vladimir Putin's early life.

Who's Vladimir Putin?

Despite problems facing the Russian economy from the crisis, President Vladimir Putin's popularity has reached record levels. Western sanctions against Moscow have failed to stop Russia's involvement in Ukraine.

By solemn step, towards the tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin's surrounding walls, President Vladimir Putin laid a wreath with the Homeland Protector Day case a national holiday honouring Russia's military victories and veterans. However, it is not the victories, but the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 that shaped Mr. Putin's vision, says Edward Lucas, author of the book “New Cold War”:

“He has the conviction that Russia was cheated in the 1990s and that the Soviet Union fell and was ashamed of the West; he thinks it's time to restore its former status and territory”.

Western leaders say this vision is unfolding in Ukraine and accuse Mr. Putin of sending troops across the border -- a charge Crelin rejects. The West has imposed sanctions against some close oligarchs with Putin. But their effect has not been felt much, says Ben Judah, author of Vladimir Putin's biography The Brit Emperor:

This indicates no more oligarchs. Putin's dictatorship and there are people who are completely dependent on him for the wealth and role they have in Russian politics”.

Lord Judah says that Vladimir Putin believes he is the only one who can lead and revive the Russian nation:

If to accomplish this he has to wage war, he will wage war; if for that he has to empower the economy, he will empower the economy. If the only way to do that is through nationalism and confrontation with the West, Putin will do it”.

Mr. Putin was a secret service officer of the Soviet Union, KGB, where he managed to climb to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. This has made a lasting impression on Putin, says Edward Lucas:

It has maintained the severity and cunning that characterizes work with KGB. He also loved fame. It has emerged from shadows of secrecy, rising in the center of the international scene, and enjoys these aspects of fame”.

Despite its position, President Putin confirmed in November in an interview with the Russian state news agency that there are not many friends:

I don't feel lonely, though it sounds strange. But I don't have many meetings with friends, or contacts with friends”.

There are rarely any such moments of sincerity from Mr. Putin. He always tries to reflect an image of manhood. It's hard to forget the photograph of him going out without his shirt, riding on a horse, or visiting the remains of a submarine, and flying by a bunch of storks on a small plane. These images hide his uncertainty says Ben Judah:

“Putin is a very lonely, sad, very isolated person; terrified of the health problems he may have, feeling deep regret over himself that he has had this burden on his shoulders to strengthen Russia and that he has to face such problems”

Analysts say such complex features of the Russian president's character are needed to understand the person behind the Kremlin leader -- a president and a former determined spy to return Russia at all costs.