Putin’s re-election is certain, but there is still a lot at stake for the Kremlin. We look into the efforts aimed at achieving unequivocal victory in what seems to be the most oppressive election in Russia for two decades. What are the stories state media can and cannot touch, how much of a headache does dissent from the mothers and wives of soldiers pose to the authorities and does Putin really have body doubles?

*This episode was recorded before the announcement of Alexey Navalny’s death.*

Producer: Kriszta Satori
Presenter: Krassi Twigg
Editor: Judy King
Sound engineer: Martin Appleby
Original music: Pete Cunningham