Vladimir Putin turns 64 this week, the same age Leonid Brezhnev was in 1970 as the Soviet Union entered a decade of economic stagnation and increased political repression.
And he appears to be laying the groundwork to rule well into his 70s -- if not longer.
On this week's Power Vertical Briefing, we look at how Putin is planning to stay in power into a ripe old age. Joining me is Senior RFE/RL Editor Steve Gutterman.
Also on The Briefing, Steve and I examine the fallout from Russia's bombing of two hospitals in Aleppo last week.
Enjoy...
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Power Vertical Briefing: October 3, 2016
NOTE: The Power Vertical Briefing is a short look ahead to the stories expected to make news in Russia in the coming week. It is hosted by Brian Whitmore, author of The Power Vertical blog, and appears on Mondays.