March 4, 2012 - Russia's presidential elections are held amid complaints of fraud. Putin wins the presidential election, with just under 65% of the vote. This will be his third term as president (not consecutive).

May 7, 2012 - Putin is sworn in under tight security amid protests of fraud. His new prime minister is the former president Dmitry Medvedev.

December 28, 2012 - Putin signs into law a bill that effectively bans U.S. citizens from adopting Russian children. The law also bans U.S.-funded civic groups from operating in Russia.