Time magazine declares Putin "Person of the Year"
U.S. magazine Time has declared Russian President Vladimir Putin "Person of the Year" for bringing stability to his country and raising Russia's role on the global stage. Time called Putin a "steely and determined man" who has "emerged as a critical linchpin of the 21st century." The magazine said Putin's last year in office has been his most successful. "At home, he secured his political future. Abroad, he expanded his outsize - if not always benign - influence on global affairs."