Club Meeting 10th August 2026

President Ted welcomed members, today’s speaker David Head and Graham Slinn guest of John Tyler.

President Ted welcomed David Head back to the Club to speak on the subject of “ Putin’s War”.

David began his talk by giving a history of Russian leaders from the Czars to the Communist leaders through the 20th Century, showing the growth of the Russian Empire and how the USSR dominated the whole of eastern Europe after the second World War.

He then introduced us to Vladimir Putin. Born in Leningrad in 1952, Putin’s father was a conscript in the Soviet Navy and his Grandfather was a personal cook to Lenin and Stalin. Aged 12 Putin became interested in judo and became an accomplished performer. He also became fluent in German and English. He went on to study law at Leningrad University.

In 1975 Putin joined the KGB, and from 1985 to 1990 he served in Dresden, East Germany. In 1996 he moved to Moscow and President Yeltsin appointed him director of the FBS (KGB). Following Yeltsin’s resignation Putin became president in March 2000. Putin’s first conflicts were with Chechnya and Georgia during which thousands lost their lives.

Putin was an autocratic leader and used his unchallenged authority to enrich himself by taking 25% of the Oligarch’s wealth. The conflicts continued with the invasion of Crimea in 2014, and in 2022 the attack on Ukraine. David continued by describing Putin’s approach to World politics, and his determination to bring the Eastern Bloc countries back under his control. He also gave details of the armaments and casualties involved in the Ukraine conflict.

Following questions from the floor Jeff Shaw gave the vote of thanks on an excellent and informative talk, and members showed their appreciation with a round of applause.