As thousands of Brits travel to Russia for the World Cup, David Dimbleby travels to a country he visited 25 years ago when Yeltsin rose to power. 18 of those years saw Vladimir Putin rule the largest country on Earth; with another 6 ahead of him.
In this Panorama special, we ask what it is that Russians see in him and how he has maintained power for so long. Throughout, David hears from a range of Putin supporters varying from a mother of 10 and a deputy prime minister. David also meets with opposition protesters, journalists and lawyers who uncover the ruthlessness of the Kremlin's autocratic rule.