Putin's Russia - 2005

First broadcast June 2005

President Vladimir Putin was swept to power in 2000 as a strong man who could restore order and revive pride in Russia. But five years later the country has suffered protracted and spreading war and revolution on its borders.

In this two-part series, Lucy Ash examines the former KGB officer's performance as president.

Part 1: Home

When President Putin came to power in 2000 he promised to create stability, security and good governance. In Part 1 of Putin's Russia - 2005, Lucy Ash asks just how well he has delivered.

Putin promised to resolve the crisis in the breakaway Republic of Chechnya. But five years after he sent in the troops, peace in the northern Caucasus seems more elusive than ever.

Only a handful of non governmental organisations, like the Soldiers' Mothers Committee, seem committed to ending Europe's least visible war.

Across the world's biggest country there is mounting concern about Putin's drive to centralise power by replacing elections for regional governors with an appointment system.

For pensioners and students, meanwhile, it is the diminishing welfare state and a lack of press freedom that pose the greatest problems in today's Russia.

Yet Vladimir Putin still enjoys remarkable approval ratings. For many, he still embodies the hopes of the nation.

Lucy meets the pro Kremlin youth group 'Nashi', whose members are determined to build a new Russia. Lucy also hears from politicians who are certain that under the current President, Russia will grow ever more prosperous and carve out its own independent destiny.

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