Visitors to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) were given a rare glimpse into the ancestral roots of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Displayed at the Christian Family Traditions House booth, the genealogy chart was commissioned by Putin's third cousin, Alexander Putin, who had spent 20 years researching their family history, according to RIA Novosti.
Tracing Back to the 17th Century
The genealogical study mapped out Putin's lineage over 13 generations, reaching back to the 17th century.
The investigation traced the family's origins to the Tver region, where his ancestors were farmers who lived a stationary lifestyle for several centuries.
The earliest identified ancestor was a man named Nikita. Due to the scarcity of documents, further tracing was not feasible.
A Personal Connection
Alexander Putin's dedication culminated in a book that has already been handed over to President Putin.
The president has often spoken about his Russian heritage, describing himself as a "Russian man" with a lineage full of "Ivans and Maryas."
He has also expressed a deep connection with the diverse ethnic mosaic of Russia, famously declaring solidarity with various ethnic groups within the country during a speech supporting soldiers in the Ukraine conflict.
Family Prominence at the Forum
This year's SPIEF is underscored by a notable presence of the president's family members, highlighting a theme of "familial ties."
According to Bloomberg, both of Putin's daughters are scheduled to speak.
Katerina Tikhonova, head of the Innopraktika center, will deliver a report on the defense industry, while endocrinologist Maria Vorontsova will discuss bioeconomy as a representative of the Russian Association for the Promotion of Science (RASN).
Other prominent participants include children of high-ranking officials and close associates of Putin.
