This is a book about Vladimir Putin and where he leads Russia. About how Putin entered the political arena, and how he sees the world. About who comes up with his image and his political program. About why Putin considers himself a real democrat and what he is going to do next. The author of the book, Angus Roxborough, is a former adviser to the Kremlin, and he has many frank conversations and interviews with politicians and senior leaders. This is a story about an unknown side of the most high-profile events of recent years, from the presidential election to the fight against the crisis, from the war in Chechnya to negotiations with the United States on nuclear weapons. It contains an answer to many painful questions of Russian politics. This book is for everyone who cares about the fate of Russia and the place of our country in the world, for everyone who wants to penetrate the mysteries of Russian politics, to understand the way of thinking and actions of Vladimir Putin.