All governments deny their crimes, and most are understanding of each other's lies about them. Bush and Blair, with still more blood [than Putin] on their hands –– in all probability, that of over half a million Iraqis –– observe these precepts as automatically as Putin.

But there is a difference that sets Putin apart from his fellow rulers in the G8, indeed from virtually any government in the world.

On the evidence of comparative opinion polls, he is the most popular national leader alive today.

Since he came to power six years ago, he has enjoyed the continuous support of over 70 per cent of his people, a record no other contemporary politician begins to approach. For comparison, Chirac now has an approval rating of 38 per cent, Bush of 36 per cent, Blair of 30 per cent.