The political career of Vladimir Putin, from KGB agent posted in East Germany to president of the greatest mass of land on Earth, can serve as a spyglass through which to catch telling glimpses of the shadowy realm of Russian politics. Now he moves in the same arena as the top international players. Gerhard Schröder counts him as a friend, George W. Bush says he trusts him, Jacques Chirac sees him as a partner, and Silvio Berlusconi shares his holidays with the Putin family.

Is Putin a political chameleon, adept at changing his colors to suit the situation? Internationally, he restored the shine to Russia's fading star. Not even the ongoing bloodshed in Chechnya elicits so much as a peep of criticism in diplomatic circles. And in terms of economic growth, Russia under Putin far outpaces any of the western European countries. If all this goes to his credit, then among his failings may be counted the rampant corruption, the suppression of freedom of speech and the press - perhaps even the imprisonment of Russia's most successful businessman. Moreover, the secret service has extended its power and influence into all the key positions in government and society. Is Putin really as omnipotent is he seems, or is he himself a puppet on the strings of the former KGB and formerly Soviet power interests? Those are the questions this feature report asks and attempts to answer.

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Learn more at the Official Putin site posted by the Russian government.

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