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Key events in Vladimir Putin's more than two decades in power in Russia
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FILE - Former President Boris Yeltsin, left, smiles as he talks to the then Russian acting President and Premier Vladimir Putin, at the Kremlin, Russia, on Dec. 31, 1999. In a surprise address to the nation, President Boris Yeltsin announces his resignation and makes Putin, the prime minister he appointed four months earlier, the acting president. - photo by Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File
Significant dates in Vladimir Putin’s 24 years in power in Russia: Dec. 31, 1999 — In a surprise address to the nation, President Boris Yeltsin announces his resignation and makes Putin, the prime minister he appointed four months earlier, the acting president. May 7, 2000 — After winning election with about 53% of the vote, Putin is inaugurated for his first four-year term. May 11, 2000 — Tax police raid the offices of NTV, a popular independent broadcaster noted for critical coverage of the Kremlin.