Dmitry Medvedev's Biography

Dmitry Medvedev is a prominent Russian politician and lawyer, best known for serving as the President of Russia from 2008 to 2012 and as the Prime Minister from 2012 to 2020. Born on September 14, 1965, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Medvedev graduated from Saint Petersburg State University with a degree in law. Rising through the ranks of Russian politics, he first attracted national attention when he was appointed as Chief of Staff to President Vladimir Putin in 2003. Medvedev's leadership style was characterized by his emphasis on modernization, technology, and economic reform, though his tenure was also marked by controversies related to political freedoms and allegations of corruption. Aside from politics, Medvedev is known for his passion for photography, swimming, and classic rock music, particularly as a fan of Deep Purple. With an estimated net worth of $2.2 million in 2024, his income primarily comes from government service and speaking engagements. Medvedev is married to Svetlana Medvedeva and has one son. Despite controversies, he remains a significant figure in Russian political history, admired for his legal expertise and often-quoted phrase, "Freedom is better than non-freedom."