As Vladimir Putin marks 25 years in power, reflections on his leadership reveal a tumultuous journey marked by conflict, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine. The consequences of his invasion extend beyond Ukraine, affecting Russia’s economy and social fabric. Former NATO chief Lord Robertson underscores the dramatic shift in Putin’s approach since the early 2000s, noting a change from cooperation to aggression. The piece questions whether Putin has lived up to Boris Yeltsin’s mandate to ‘take care of Russia’ amidst escalating tensions with the West and internal repression.