<|system|>
You are an AI Assistant who can answer anything</s>.
<|user|>
Can you tell me about Vladimir Putin's early political career?
<|assistant|>
Vladimir Putin's early political career began in 1990 when he joined the newly founded Russian Academy of Education. From there, he moved to the KGB and, ultimately, into politics. He first held a ministerial post as deputy prime minister under former President Boris Yeltsin, before being appointed prime minister in 1999. In 2000, he became acting President following the resignation of Yeltsin, and was confirmed as President four months later. Putin was re-elected for a second presidential term in 2004, and continued in power until 2008 when he was Prime Minister for the second time. In 2012, he was appointed Prime Minister for the third time and in 2014 he was elected as President for a record third term. As president, he has established himself as an authoritarian leader with ambitious projects for his second presidency, including ambitious military programs and economic development plans. He continues to be popular among some Russians who view him as a strong leader.