crushing opponents and trying to expand Russia's influence -- and borders. Whatever the outcome of the war that has killed hundreds of thousands, wrought massive destruction and forever changed both countries, it will be the central aspect of the 73-year-old's legacy. The Kremlin leader hopes victory will place him alongside the likes of Peter the Great in the pantheon of Russia's most consequential leaders. For him, it is existential. "Russia is fighting for its future, for independence, for truth and justice," Putin said in a Kremlin ceremony honouring Russian soldiers in February. That narrative has been largely rubbished in the West and Kyiv, which see the offensive as a brutal, imperialistic land grab. Putin's uncompromising approach to the war is emblematic of how he has run the world's largest country. Asked about his philosophy in a 2017 documentary he drew on his love of judo: "You can and should be flexible. Sometimes you can give in, but only if it leads to victory." (Bssnews)