The story of Vladimir Putin's rise to power

This gripping Vladimir Putin documentary series explores the Russian President’s rise to power. From street kid to spy to shaping modern Russia. Told through Putin’s own words, those that know him and examining those influenced by his actions, this Vladimir Putin series looks at his time with the KGB, his twenty plus years at the Kremlin and what his lasting legacy might be?

Watch Putin - A Russian Spy Story and more acclaimed documentaries on BBC Select today. Restrictions apply*.

Putin - A Russian Spy Story on BBC Select

A chance viewing of a Russian spy drama inspired young Vladimir to sign up to the KGB and it was there he set his sights on the Russian presidency. What came next has all the ingredients of a real-life spy story with his past experiences shaping his leadership.

Stream Putin: A Russian Spy Story and learn more about the Russian president. Including interviews with Putin’s inner circle, Putin’s opponents, and his victims. This fascinating Vladimir Putin TV series gets as close as we’ve ever been to this controversial figure.

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Mariupol: The People's Story

The people of Mariupol share powerful, shocking stories of bravery and loss in a war zone.

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Putin vs The West

The inside story on how Western leaders have struggled to deal with Putin over the years.

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Hong Kong's Fight for Freedom

Under attack from the authorities, four young Hongkongers resort to violence to defend their way of life.

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The Hunt for Bin Laden

How was Osama Bin Laden able to evade capture despite the intense efforts to find him?

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Dynasties: The Families That Changed The World

Delve into the inner workings of the world's most powerful and intriguing families.

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Dynasties: The Families That Changed The World

Delve into the inner workings of the world's most powerful and intriguing families.

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Citizen Quinn: Bankrupt Billionaire

The remarkable rise and fall of the biggest single loser in the 2008 financial crisis.

Is China Watching You

Is China Watching You?

Should we be worried about booming sales of Chinese-built surveillance equipment?

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Gay Under The Taliban

The story of young, terrified LGBTQ people trapped in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

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Inside Taiwan: Standing Up To China

Could China's plans regarding Taiwan put the rest of the world in extreme danger?

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Border Country

What are borders, why are they created and how do they affect nations and individuals?

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On Boxing Day, A tsunami hit Thailand leaving unimaginable wreckage for its victims.

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India's Partition: The Forgotten Story

In 1947, India was divided in two leading to violence and death. Why did it happen?

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The Shamima Begum Story: The Girl Who Joined ISIS

The story of notorious ISIS bride Shamima Begum told in her own words for the first time.

India: the Modi Question

Investigating tensions between the Indian Prime Minister and the country’s Muslim minority

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The World's Biggest Bomb

Why did American then Soviet scientists race to explode the biggest bomb of all time?

The Amol Rajan Interviews: Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic discusses his incredible career and events during the pandemic

Watch The Hunt for Russia's Superyachts on BBC Select

The Hunt for Russia's Superyachts

A game of cat and mouse between superyacht hunters and Russia's superrich oligarchs.

Watch Disaster Deniers: Hunting the Trolls on BBC Select

Disaster Deniers: Hunting the Trolls

Why would anybody target survivors of terrorism and tragedy with online abuse?

Watch Tareena: Return From ISIS on BBC Select

Tareena: Return From ISIS

The extraordinary story of Tareena Shakil, the first British woman to be jailed when returning from ISIS.

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Putin's Russia

Votes for Vladimir. Meeting Putin’s biggest fans.

Watch Mad Dog: Inside the Secret World of Muammar Gaddafi on BBC Select

Mad Dog: Inside the Secret World of Muammar Gaddafi

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Afghanistan: The British Lion’s Last Roar?

Why did the British army’s attempts at defeating the Taliban go so disastrously wrong?

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What If Putin Goes Nuclear?

As Putin put Russia's nuclear forces on high alert, could he really push the button?

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Exploring the invasion of Ukraine, Putin's motives and the world's response.

Watch Prince Andrew and the Epstein Scandal: The Newsnight Interview on BBC Select

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In this candid interview, Andrew reveals his connection to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

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Did Putin really try to kill a political rival with a plot involving poisoned underpants?

Stream the Prince and the Epstein Scandal on BBC Select

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As Prince Andrew steps back from the public eye, the victims of Jeffrey Epstein speak out

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The real lives of people trapped in the world’s most secretive state

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