Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated his 73rd birthday yesterday (October 8) by visiting the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in St. Petersburg, the burial site of the Russian tsars, accompanied by his generals.

Putin laid flowers on the grave of Peter the Great, spoke with the abbot of the cathedral, and stated:

“I decided to start our meeting in this place, because this is the resting place of those who, essentially, created Russia.”

He further emphasized that these individuals:

“…created modern Russia. I think you will find it… pleasant and interesting.”

Which leaders sent their wishes

Putin spent the rest of his birthday in a meeting with military officials, focusing on security issues related to the war in Ukraine.

Before the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin would typically celebrate his birthday with foreign trips, hiking in Siberia, or friendly hockey matches.

According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, birthday wishes were sent by leaders of countries that Moscow considers “friendly.”

Messages from world leaders

• North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a congratulatory telegram, calling Putin his “beloved comrade” and praised his “success in fulfilling the sacred mission of reliably safeguarding the dignity and vital interests of the nation.”
  Kim also highlighted Putin’s role in “creating a new, multipolar world.”
• Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko wrote that Putin’s “political wisdom, exceptional devotion to the Motherland, and unwavering resolve in defending national interests” have earned him “domestic recognition and the respect of foreign counterparts.”
• Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, as well as the co-presidents of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, also sent messages, wishing Putin good health and continued success.
• Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov praised Putin’s personal contribution to strengthening friendly ties between the two countries.
• Other leaders who sent wishes included:
• Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan
• Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
• Tajik President Emomali Rahmon
• Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Some leaders used the occasion not only to send wishes but also to discuss current international and bilateral issues with the birthday celebrant.

• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, after conveying his wishes, discussed developments in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as matters of bilateral cooperation with Putin.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, in an announcement after his call with Putin, that he “conveyed warm birthday wishes and wished him good health and longevity,” while also expressing gratitude for Putin’s “personal commitment to deepening India-Russia relations over the years.”

What about Donald Trump?

There had been speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump would call Putin to wish him a happy 73rd birthday—but, as of now, no such call had taken place.

According to Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov, no call had been scheduled between Putin and Trump for October 7, but he left open the possibility of a call on October 8.

It is worth noting that on June 14, Putin had phoned Trump on his birthday to wish him well.

Under constitutional changes introduced by Putin in 2020, he is eligible to remain in power until 2036, at which point he would be 83 years old.