First Person: An Astonishingly Frank Self-Portrait by Russia's President Vladimir Putin

“In fact, I have had a very simple life. Everything is an open book.

I finished school and went to university.

I graduated from university and went to the KGB.

I finished the KGB and went back to university.

After university, I went to work for Sobchak.

From Sobchak, to Moscow and to the General Department.

Then to the Presidential Administration.

From there, to the FSB.

Then I was appointed Prime Minister.

Now I’m Acting President. That’s it!”

“But surely there are more details?”

“Yes, there are….”