MOSCOW, RUSSIA – May 4, 2025
In a revealing new documentary titled “Russia. The Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years,” Russian President Vladimir Putin opens up about pivotal moments in the country’s recent history, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the values he believes are essential to the nation’s survival. The documentary, marking a quarter-century of Putin’s leadership, provides a rare and personal look into his thinking on geopolitics, national security, and Russia’s future.
On Ukraine and the Special Military Operation (SMO):
Putin emphasized that Russia did not plan the Special Military Operation in advance, but rather had hoped to resolve the Donbass crisis through peaceful means.
“We have enough forces and means to bring the operation to its logical conclusion,” he said, asserting that Russia has remained calm under pressure and has resisted provocations aimed at causing strategic missteps.
He also made clear that Russia has not needed to resort to nuclear weapons, but warned, “I hope there won’t be a need.” On the issue of peace, he was firm but optimistic:
“Peace with Ukraine is inevitable — it’s only a matter of time.”
On Confrontation with the West:
Putin criticized Western powers for ignoring Russia’s warnings at the 2007 Munich Security Conference, saying their inaction and deception over the Minsk agreements helped set the stage for the Ukraine conflict.
“Until 2022, we perceived agreements with the West with cautious trust,” Putin noted, but that trust has since eroded.
Launching the operation in 2014 would have been “unrealistic,” he explained, as Russia was not ready then for a direct confrontation with the collective West. He warned that the Minsk experience is a lesson that Russia must never forget.
On the 1990s and Early 2000s:
Reflecting on the turbulent post-Soviet years, Putin said separatist tendencies were strong across Russia, not just in the North Caucasus.
He described the early 2000s as a critical period when Russia’s adversaries had the chance to split the country, and noted ongoing efforts by foreign actors to weaken national unity.
He also offered a rare glimpse into personal moments during national tragedies.
“I first knelt in prayer during the Nord-Ost theater siege,” he revealed, and described the Beslan school massacre as a wound that will remain forever.
On Values and Identity:
A major theme in the documentary is the importance of national identity.
“Without traditional values, Russia simply won’t exist,” Putin warned.
He contrasted Russian society with the West, saying Russians are more focused on eternal values and that national unity is the main guarantee of Russia’s victories.
“I continue to breathe the same air as millions of Russian citizens,” he said, underlining a shared identity with the people.
On a Successor:
Putin acknowledged he constantly considers the question of who might succeed him, saying:
“I observe and assess each person’s potential,” but emphasized that “it is up to the Russian people to decide who will lead the country next.”
He added that Russia should foster individuals capable of earning the public’s trust and defending the nation’s core values.
The documentary offers a deep insight into the mind of the man who has shaped Russia’s modern path. With a mix of reflection, warning, and unwavering nationalism, it reinforces Putin’s enduring influence — even as the nation braces for the uncertain years ahead.
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