BBC News Indonesia
·Jun 2026
How Putin repeatedly reshapes his image
Putin’s leadership is portrayed as shaped by careful visual image‑making, evolving from a reserved Soviet‑era figure into a choreographed strongman persona. His public relations strategy emphasized toughness, sobriety, and nationalism, contrasting sharply with Boris Yeltsin’s image and projecting Russia as a renewed global power. Over time, he adopted multiple roles to reinforce authority, tightened political control, and eliminated public dissent. His more recent appearances suggest increased isolation and paranoia, particularly following the full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, which now defines his political identity. Despite aging and diminishing public visibility, he remains firmly entrenched in power after 25 years.