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Comments published here reflect the balance of views we received.

An excellent programme about the Kremlin. Very well pieced together. More of this please.
Nicholas Achenbach, UK

Russia has always been a difficult country to govern because it is so vast. It has thus required a strong central authority to rule it in order for the country to remain intact. Those clamouring for a more liberal form of democracy should bear in mind that this would lead to republics seceeding from Moscow. The effect would be all out war. Putin is the right man for the job at this moment. Frankly in some parts of the world, this kind of authoritarian leader is necessary.
K Kimbugwe, Bromley

I thoroughly enjoyed last night's programme on Putin's Palace. It gave a clear understanding of the subject and was very informative.
David T Passells, Gosport

Please, forgive me if I sound too sharp in my opinion about your programme Putin�s Palace, but I think you should be ashamed. I believe that having lived in Russia you cannot help seeing the obvious adulteration of democracy that the Russian government is trying to present as a genuine thing. Don�t you think that President Putin is being promoted enough in his own country? He doesn�t really need more help from the BBC.
Anastasia Witts, East Sussex

The programme was very good, it showed some positiveness in Russia's future. Many years ago there would not have been an insight into what goes on in the Kremlin, but as Putin is now the president many things have changed and it came across that he is busy trying to make some good changes before he has to step down. Congratulations to the BBC as you showed not only the political side, but the cultural side too!
Zarah, Middlesex

Thanks for the This World programme last night. I saw a part of life that I knew very little about and the way all the information was put across was excellent. Really, really good. Thanks again.
Geoffrey Jones, N Ireland

A very interesting and enlightening programme, showing a different side of the state machinery of Russia. I found the term "managed democracy" very intresting and the way the state press officer ran the programme of events was of most interest.
Mr Robert Loseby, Notts

What a fascinating programme! Great to see so much of what was previously such a secretive society and political system. Overall the programme has given me an impression of hope for a country that has had so many difficulties in recent years. I hope in future we get more of this kind of coverage of such a fascinating country.
Mark Caudery, Sutton Coldfield

As a Brit who spends much of his time in Russia, I can say that I don't find the spin doctor's answer convincing regarding why Russia can't be a Western democracy, even if it wanted to be. He could only cite Russia's structural history and collective mentality as the reason, but this is a rather half-baked answer for a country which has proven itself perennially capable - though by now tired - of radical structural change. I also think the programme, while providing an interesting human depiction of Putin, projected an enthusiasm about Russian politics and administration that simply isn't shared by the most of the electorate, which remains apathetic towards political figures, processes and aspirations.
Andy, Notts

Pleas re-run this - it's an excellent item. I watched it and I think more people should be given the opportunity to see it, including my parents who participate in welfare work in Belarus, and naturally are very interested.
Arnoud van Schie, The Netherlands

What a disgrace to hear these things from a supposedly neutral BBC! Typical politically-loaded. A condescending choice of language and tone of voice spoilt an otherwise informative programme.
C MacAulay, Scotland

I don't usually feel compelled to comment on television programmes, however having just watched your This World feature on Putin's Russia I must congratulate you on a truly informative programme. The content was interesting and entertaining at times and has encouraged me to read more about contemporary Russia. Thank you and keep up the informative programmes.
David Jenkins, Wales

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