Who exactly is Vladimir Putin? As the world grapples with a more assertive Russia, understanding the formidable and ambitious Vladimir Putin has never been more important. On the one hand, Putin's numerous domestic reforms have contributed to the reshaping of millions of Russians' potential. On the other hand, Putin has created a new authoritarianism that is unyielding in its repression of criticism as well as a political and military assertion in places like Crimea and the Middle East. This exclusive series tells the story of Putin's rise to power while also looking back at his childhood in Leningrad, his rise through the ranks of the KGB, and his eventual consolidation of power in the Kremlin. Listen to the mind-boggling life story of the man who earned the monicker of 'Universal Ruler' from the people of his country.