When he became acting president of Russia on the last day of the 20th Century, the former spy was an enigma to many. Who is the "man of deeds, not words"?

The year 2024 saw President Vladimir Putin further cement his power as he sought to counter Russia's isolation over the war in Ukraine.

On New Year’s Eve, 1999, Boris Yeltsin handed over Russia’s presidency to an unknown figure—Vladimir Putin—with one request: "Take care of Russia." Now, 25 years later, the question remains: has Putin fulfilled that wish?