Putin, Russia’s eternal leader defined by war and power

Since coming to power in 1999, cracking down, not giving in, has been his preferred course. Read more at straitstimes.com.

WARSAW – Mr Vladimir Putin’s four-year-long invasion of Ukraine is the culmination of a quarter century spent tightening his grip on power, crushing opponents and trying to expand Russia’s influence – and borders.

Whatever the outcome of the war that has killed hundreds of thousands, wrought massive destruction and forever changed both countries, it will be the central aspect of the 73-year-old’s legacy.

The Kremlin leader hopes victory will place him alongside the likes of Peter the Great in the pantheon of Russia’s most consequential leaders.

For him, it is existential.

“Russia is fighting for its future, for independence, for truth and justice,” Mr Putin said in a Kremlin ceremony honouring Russian soldiers in February.

That narrative has been largely rubbished in the West and Kyiv, which see the offensive as a brutal, imperialistic land grab.