BBC TWO EXPLORE PUTIN AND THE WEST FOR NEW DOCUMENTARY SERIES

BBC Two have commissioned Putin And The West (w/t), a 3x60' series from Zinc Media.

The three-parter will tell the inside story of how Western leaders have struggled to deal with Russia as Putin tries to exert his power on the world stage. Putin and the West will take viewers into the corridors of power to tell the inside story of a decade of political strife.

Told in three hour-long episodes, and in trademark Norma Percy style, those who were in the room for the crucial moments will describe what happened, as each episode takes viewers inside national security meetings, summits, and top-level negotiations to understand what it is really like to deal with Vladimir Putin.

Each episode will look at a different crisis – Ukraine 2014, Syria and the Middle East, and the current conflict with the West, up to the point of the invasion.

Norma Percy, Series Producer, Brook Lapping, says: “There is a huge global appetite for these types of documentaries, and our relationship with BBC Two in particular making landmark programmes like this, goes back decades. Once again, we will set out to show viewers what it’s like to be in the room when important decisions are made by top political aides, told in their own words.”

Tim Stirzaker, Series Director, Brook Lapping, says: “There’s never been a better time to tell this story. Hearing from those who have sat across the table from Putin and tried to deal with him makes you look at what’s happening today in a completely new light.”

Lucy Hetherington, Executive Producer, Brook Lapping, says: “Brook Lapping, along with Norma Percy, has a history of shining a light on contemporary historical events. Norma’s documentaries stand out for their seriousness, and also for the people who agree to be interviewed for them...

"This type of story-telling is what we do best, and with our unrivalled access to those on the inside, we tell the story of the breakdown in relations between Putin and the West, as he repeatedly wrong-foots his counterparts, then blindsides them with the biggest threat to world peace for generations."

Putin and The West is a three-part series and was commissioned for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer by Joanna Carr, Head of BBC Current Affairs. T