MOSCOW—Historians of Vladimir Putin’s reign used to write volumes about the man who stood behind him, directing and manipulating, like the éminence grise of old. Kremlinologists described Vladislav Surkov as a shadowy crafter of Russian domestic policies, and somebody who destroyed his opponents without mercy.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
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Anna Nemtsova: Putin’s ‘puppet master’ is out, but sinister policies remain
(FILES) Vladimir Putin confers with Vladislav Surkov during a meeting in the Urals city of Kurgan, on Feb. 13, 2012.
