logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2020
24m 2s

What does Putin want?

Bbc World Service
About this episode

President Vladimir Putin has been in power for 20 years. The Russian people have been voting on a change to the constitution that could keep him in the Kremlin until 2036. While world leaders and opponents struggle to second guess him, some objectives appear to be clear: stability at home, respect abroad and power maintained for his inner circle.

Presented by Charmaine Cozier

(President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, February 2020. Credit: Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images)

Up next
Aug 4
Is Indigenous education at risk?
New Zealand’s government is making big changes to its education system. The aim is to reverse declining student achievement and give more opportunities to disadvantaged children. The subjects of reading, writing, maths and science form the core of the new curriculum. But there ar ... Show More
24m 18s
Jul 28
Can we live with extreme heat?
Extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent across the globe, not only in countries used to cooler climates, but also in those already familiar with significantly hotter temperatures. Intense heat can have an impact on the human body, from heat stroke to dehydration to skin dama ... Show More
24m 27s
Jul 21
Can the illicit gold trade be stopped?
Gold has been prized throughout history for its value and its beauty, which has also made it attractive to those prepared to exploit this precious metal for their own ends. The European Union recently banned the purchase, import and transfer of gold from Sudan, one of Africa’s la ... Show More
24m 39s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
Putin Forever? Analysing the Russian Elections
<p>With Vladimir Putin claiming yet another victory in Russia's recent national elections, we examine his tenure and what the future has in store.</p> <p>While Putin's election victory was always a certainty, such political exercises involving mass engagement efforts are complex ... Show More
48m 11s
Jul 2020
Nadya Tolokonnikova: Pussy Riot & Russian protest
Vladimir Putin can now seek to extend his rule in Russia to 2036 thanks to a constitutional referendum, stage managed by the Kremlin. Is there any prospect of an opposition movement ever challenging Putin’s grip on power? HARDtalk’s Stephen Sackur speaks to one of the founders of ... Show More
22m 57s
Jan 2022
Russia's Longest Leader: Vladimir Putin (2019)
As tensions between Ukraine and Russia escalate, we decided to take a look at the man who has been running Russia for two decades: Vladimir Putin. How did a former KGB officer make his way up to the top seat — was it political prowess or was he just the recipient of a lot of good ... Show More
32m 56s
Jun 2023
Putin: Wagner boss “betrayed” his country
Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to project an image of strength as he faces the biggest threat ever to his authority. Is Putin still in danger of losing power? Plus, where is Yevgeny Prigozhin? There is no confirmation that the Wagner chief made it outside Russia as th ... Show More
44m 14s
Jun 2023
Putin's Hold on Power
A week on from an aborted uprising, Vladimir Putin is still standing. But for how long? The brief rebellion, launched by the leader of the mercenary Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin, marked the greatest challenge to Putin's rule since he came to power, 23 years ago. The mercenary l ... Show More
10m 8s
Jul 2020
Putin: a president trapped in power
Now in power until 2036 after a recent constitutional change, Vladimir Putin is nevertheless facing a difficult future as the Russian economy stagnates and popular unrest grows. Gideon Rachman and Catherine Belton, author and former FT journalist, discuss how the president and a ... Show More
19m 53s
Oct 2022
Putin's draft, sham referendums and the Ukrainian fight back
Vladimir Putin turns 70 today. In recent weeks, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen territorial losses, a shambolic partial mobilisation, sham referendums and threats of nuclear attacks. So what possible outcomes are there for President Putin’s plan?This podcast was brought to ... Show More
28m 13s