# Publication of investigative biography of Vladimir Putin > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/publication-of-investigative-biography-of-vladimir-putin > Updated: 2026-09-22T10:58:15.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Exiled Russian journalists Roman Badanin and Mikhail Rubin, founders of the independent media outlet Proekt, have released an investigative biography of Vladimir Putin titled ‘The Tsar in Person’ (also referred to as ‘The Tsar in Propria Persona: How Vladimir Putin Deceived Us All’). The work, which won the inaugural Prix Strasbourg in France, is based on over two decades of reporting and hundreds of interviews. The authors contrast Putin’s public image with the realities of his administration and describe a ‘climate of fear and violence’ within Russia. In documenting the rise of the Russian leader, the journalists also recount their own experiences with state intimidation, including being labeled ‘foreign agents’ and facing dawn raids by FSB officers. The authors, who now reside in the United States, describe the professional risks for independent reporters in Russia, noting that some colleagues have died in unexplained accidents or attacks. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: Journalists publish detailed biography of Vladimir Putin Journalists Roman Badanin and Mikhail Rubin have released ‘The Tsar in Person’, a detailed biography of Vladimir Putin documenting state intimidation and the risks faced by independent media in Russia. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/journalists-publish-detailed-biography-of-vladimir-putin ### 2026-08-26: Investigative book on Vladimir Putin wins French literary prize Exiled journalists Roman Badanin and Mikhail Rubin have won the inaugural Prix Strasbourg in France for their investigative book on the private life and political rise of Vladimir Putin. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/investigative-book-on-vladimir-putin-wins-french-literary-prize --- Cite as: Publication of investigative biography of Vladimir Putin. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/publication-of-investigative-biography-of-vladimir-putin