Watch Putin's Russia

Putin's Russia is a captivating six-part documentary series from BBC Select which delves into the intricacies of Russian politics and society since the rise of Vladimir Putin. With unprecedented access to key political figures, investigative journalists, cultural icons, and ordinary Russians, the series provides a unique insight into contemporary Russia, offering a balanced and nuanced portrait of a complex and dynamic country.

Each episode explores a different aspect of Putin's Russia, from the country's relationship with the West to its economy, media landscape, and the role of women in society. The series also delves into a number of controversial subjects, such as the annexation of Crimea, the Skripal poisonings, and allegations of state-sponsored assassinations.

Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to a range of compelling characters, each of whom offer a different perspective on life in Russia. These include Elena Milashina, an investigative journalist who has been targeted by the state for her reporting on the persecution of LGBT+ people in Chechnya; Kirill Serebrennikov, a theatre director who was arrested on trumped-up charges of embezzlement; and Xenia Sobchak, a former reality TV star who attempted to run against Putin in the 2018 presidential elections.

One of the strengths of Putin's Russia is the way in which it humanizes the people who are often reduced to caricatures in Western media. For example, in the second episode, we meet Svetlana, a single mother who struggles to make ends meet in Moscow, but who remains fiercely loyal to Putin. While many Westerners might find Svetlana's views on politics difficult to understand, the series makes clear that her support for the President is rooted in a deep love of her country and a belief that Putin is the only person capable of restoring Russia to its former glory.

At the same time, however, the series never shies away from critiquing Putin's Russia when necessary. In the third episode, for example, we meet anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny, who has been repeatedly arrested and imprisoned for his opposition to the government. We also hear from a number of political commentators who argue that the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent has reached unprecedented levels under Putin's leadership.

Overall, Putin's Russia is a thought-provoking and compelling series that sheds important light on one of the most complex and intriguing countries in the world. Whether you're interested in politics, culture, or simply in gaining a better understanding of this fascinating country, this series is not to be missed.

Putin's Russia is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between July 3, 2018 and on BBC Select