Vladimir Putin, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Moscow
- Last updated on
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According to a well-informed source, the Russian president Vladimir Putin is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the politician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 18/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Putin for Person of the Year?
The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 73-year-old politician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Putin so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the politician have already been named ‘Russian Of The Year’ by some major Russian newspapers and even ‘Saint Petersburg Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Saint Petersburg (Vladimir Putin's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the politician was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Vladimir Putin Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 17 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Vladimir has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 17 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Vladimir Putin?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 17 Dec 2025
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Vladimir Putin?
Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?
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