News
Vladimir Putin Says He Drove Taxi After Soviet Fall To Make Ends Meet
In new film, Russian President Putin describes the collapse of the Soviet Union as a ‘tragedy’ for most citizens.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the collapse of the Soviet Union spelt the end of “historical Russia,” revealing he drove a taxi to make ends meet following the USSR’s fall.
Putin, a former agent of the Soviet Union’s KGB security services, who has previously lamented the USSR’s fall, said the disintegration 30 years ago remains a “tragedy” for “most citizens”.
The comments, reported by state-run news agency RIA Novosti on Sunday, were excerpts from an upcoming film by broadcaster Channel One, dubbed Russia. Recent History.
“After all, what is the collapse of the Soviet Union? This is the collapse of historical Russia under the name of the Soviet Union,” the Russian leader was cited as saying.
A loyal servant of the Soviet Union, Putin was dismayed when it fell apart, once calling the collapse “the greatest geopolitical disaster of the 20th century”.
Putin is sensitive to the perceived expansion of Western military ambitions into ex-Soviet countries and Russia this week demanded that NATO formally scrap a 2008 decision to open its door to Georgia and Ukraine.
The end of the Union brought with it a period of intense economic instability that plunged many into poverty, as newly independent Russia transitioned from communism to capitalism.
RIA-Novosti, reporting from excerpts of the documentary, said Putin had revealed that he worked occasionally as a taxi driver to boost his income.
“Sometimes I had to earn extra money,” Putin said. “I mean, earn extra money by car, as a private driver. It’s unpleasant to talk about, to be honest but, unfortunately, that was the case.”
Russia was the centre of the Soviet Union that grew to include 15 republics from the Baltics in the West to Central Asia.
In 1991, racked by economic woes the Soviet Union disintegrated and Russia became an independent nation.
Audio
KenryWhite Releases “Kilometers” & “The King” A Powerful Double Release Celebrating Faith, Purpose, and the Journey to Greatness
Nigerian Afrofusion artist KenryWhite unveils his compelling two-track release, “Kilometers & The King,” a project that explores the realities of life’s journey while affirming identity, faith, and purpose.
Leading the release is “Kilometers,” an uplifting anthem that reflects on the distance between dreams and fulfillment. Through heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and vibrant Afrobeats production, KenryWhite encourages listeners to embrace the process, remain resilient, and keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.
Complementing the project is “The King,” featuring Wonder J. The record is a bold declaration of confidence, royalty, and divine purpose, blending infectious Afrobeats rhythms with inspiring lyricism. Together, the duo delivers a record that celebrates self-belief, leadership, and the mindset required to overcome every obstacle.
With rich storytelling, memorable melodies, and contemporary African sounds, “Kilometers & The King” showcases KenryWhite’s artistic growth while delivering music that inspires, motivates, and connects with audiences across the globe.
Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Kilometers & The King” invites listeners to embrace the journey, recognize their worth, and walk confidently into their purpose.
Nigerian street-pop artist Kilo Lazer is set to release his highly anticipated new album, From the Mud, on Friday, August 21, 2026.
The project is a raw and personal reflection of Kilo Lazer’s journey, capturing themes of struggle, ambition, faith, family, money, survival and the pursuit of success. Across 18 tracks, the album documents the realities of coming from humble beginnings while chasing a bigger life.
The tracklist features songs including “I’m Grateful God,” “Iba,” “Ọmọ Lugbade,” “Something Good,” “Bọ̀rọ̀ Bọ̀rọ̀,” “Gift,” “Mamacita,” “Adura,” “After Money Na Money,” “Love You Mama,” “Father Legacy,” “Burst,” “Bounce,” “Ọ̀wọ́ Nìjọ̀ Wa,” “Lighter Mi,” “Agbara,” “Tẹka,” and “Watery Watery Rice.”
With From the Mud, Kilo Lazer presents more than an album—it is a soundtrack to his journey from where he started to where he is determined to go.
From the Mud drops Friday, August 21, 2026, across all major streaming platforms.
-
Audio10 years agoPage – Day Break Everywhere Burst
-
Audio5 years agoShadykarz – Forever
-
Audio10 years agoJuniorboy ft. 9ice – IRAPADA
-
Entertainment Gists5 years agoEx-Beauty Queen, Sandra Benede Shares Sexy Photo
-
Audio5 years agoSimi – Happy Birthday ft. Adekunle Gold, DeJa
-
Audio5 years agoRuger – Bounce
-
Mixtapes4 years agoMixtape: DJ DimpleNipple – The Best Of Amapiano Thrills
-
Editorials3 years agoSa’eedah Imam On Creating Her Imprint In The Nigerian Music Industry As An Emerging Creative Writer