A researcher named Valery Grigorchuk told the publication Fontanka that during the siege of Leningrad, Vladimir Putin’s parents and his older brother Vitya resided in a house along the Obvodny Canal embankment. The study of the house registers reveals a correction to a long-standing belief about the family’s initial address in the early days of the war.
According to the archival records reviewed by Grigorchuk, at the start of the Great Patriotic War Putin’s parents did not move to house number 97 (today 121) as previously assumed. Instead, they lived at house number 47 (now 57), in circle 17, along the Obvodny Canal embankment. The family was later evacuated from the besieged city on July 11, 1942, as the conflict intensified. These details come from the house books that document residents and apartment assignments of that period.
Specifically, Obvodny 47 registered Maria Ivanovna Putin in apartment 17 on January 19, 1942. In April of that same year Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin, who had returned from hospital after sustaining serious injuries in the fighting for Leningrad, was enrolled there. A few days later, Putin’s older brother Vitya, who was only about 1.5 years old, was taken from the family. Putin himself has recalled that the child was nearly removed by force, but the family could not save him, and diphtheria claimed the child’s life.
In public remarks, Putin has noted that his biography is well known to many people. He has discussed his schooling and early work during meetings with social activists and residents of Anadyr, a town in Chukotka. He also highlighted his qualifications, including a fourth-class carpentry certification, which he earned while working as part of a student brigade in Komi, reflecting his early hands-on training and practical skills.
During a December address, the president spoke about his childhood aspirations, mentioning a wish to become a pilot and an intelligence officer. The conversation emphasized the trajectory of his early ambitions and how they aligned with later public service. In broader exchanges, Putin has also conducted meetings with leaders from other nations, including discussions with the president of Chad, illustrating his role on the international stage.
The narrative above contributes to a fuller understanding of Putin’s early life, the historical context of Leningrad during the siege, and the personal events shaping the trajectory of a future head of state. It highlights how archival documents and personal recollections intersect to sketch a more complete picture of the president’s formative years and his enduring connection to the city’s wartime heritage. [citation]