Since the war began, the Russian military has suffered an unexpected battering.

Last week, even President Putin's official spokesman had to admit the invasion hadn't

gone to plan.

We have significant losses of troops and it's a huge tragedy for us.

The Russians have been killed in Ukraine and a trail of destruction and horror now scars

the country, all because of the whims of one man.

But despite international sanctions and protests in Russia, President Putin shows no signs

of backing down.

Instead, his speeches have taken a chilling turn.

The Russian people, especially, are able to distinguish true patriots from bastards

and traitors and will spit them out like a net that accidentally flew into their mouths.

I am certain that this necessary and natural self-cleaning of our society will only strengthen

our country.

Vladimir Putin isn't the first autocratic leader that Russia has seen.

So what can history teach us about what might happen next?

How do you get rid of a tyrant?

You're listening to stories of our times from the times and the Sunday times.

I'm Manvina Rana.

Today, a brief history of Russian autocrats and why this isn't the end for Putin.

I'm Roger Boyes and I'm the diplomatic editor for the times.

Roger is a veteran foreign correspondent and he has all the accumulated wisdom and the

ability to see the bigger picture that comes from having reported on Russia for almost

...