The Daily Vertical: Putin And The Ghosts Of Kremlins Past

The ghosts of all the dead Kremlin leaders -- as well as one who's still alive -- weigh like a nightmare on the brain of the current one. (The views expressed in these commentaries do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.)

Vladimir Putin is haunted by his predecessors.

He's spooked by how one of them came to power, through a revolution in the streets.

He's haunted by another, whose example he could never live up to.

He's afraid of turning into one, who was overthrown in a palace coup, and another who presided over a geriatric ossified regime and a stagnant economy.

He's afraid of turning into another, who inadvertently sparked the disintegration of his country.

The ghosts of all the dead Kremlin leaders -- as well as one that's still alive -- weigh like a nightmare on the brain of the current one.

In a special six-part series, The Daily Vertical took a closer look at Putin and the ghosts of Kremlins past.

Here's a recap:

Leninphobia (read transcript)