Russian president Vladimir Putin, the world’s most powerful leader as ranked by Forbes, is an enigmatic personality whose actions and decisions affect millions of people on the planet.

However, according to an article published by Huffington Post, there are 15 facts that can help shed some light on the Russian leader’s background and make the readers better understand him. These are facts you probably didn’t know about the powerful man.

1. His mother survived the Siege of Leningrad

2. He was brought up without high-running emotions

3. His father was a true proletarian

4. He started judo to assert himself

5. He only told his ex-wife that he worked for the intelligence agency shortly before their marriage

6. He believes that the West is afraid of Russia

7. He speaks German perfectly

8. He believes the end of the USSR was the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century.”

9. He considers himself a talented ice hockey player

10. He has the reputation of having put Russia back on its feet financially

11. Even on his country estate he keeps an large entourage

12. He loves the Beatles

13. He was head of the leadership party “United Russia” for four years, without becoming a member

14. He doesn’t consider himself a diplomat

15. He has humiliated his opponents publicly many times.