Mutual Allegations

Orlando Figes is a British historian who has taught at both Cambridge University and the University of London. His latest book, The Story Of Russia, describes how President Vladimir Putin has used the mythologization of past figures and events in Russia to promote his imperial ambitions.

Political consultant Abbas Gallyamov used to be one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's speechwriters. In an interview with RFE/RL's Georgian Service, he talks about the back-and-forth with the Russian president over drafting a text -- and his perhaps surprising pick for Putin's successor. RFE/RL: How was your time as a speechwriter for President Putin? What was it like working for him? Abbas Gallyamov: First of all, you should understand that I was never communicating [with] him directly.

KYIV -- They share a common enemy in Russian President Vladimir Putin, who unleashed an invasion that has killed tens of thousands of people in Ukraine and is jailing opponents, curtailing freedoms, and crushing dissent at home.