From Kursk to Kursk: Putin’s attempt to project an image as Russia’s ‘protector’ has been punctured throughout his 25 years in power
- Written by Lena Surzhko Harned, Associate Teaching Professor of Political Science, Penn State
In the quarter-century of Vladimir Putin’s rule – he has served as prime minister or president since August 1999 – the former KGB man has attempted to sell to the public the image of strongman, savior and defender of the Russian people.
Indeed, the “special military operation” in Ukraine, as the Kremlin has described...








