When Russian troops entered Ukraine last February, its once-formidable military expected to swiftly take over its much smaller neighbor.
But a war that was supposed to be over in weeks has now stretched on for over a year — with Russia suffering heavy losses and embarrassing battlefield defeats.
The war has also exposed complex relationships and jostling rivalries between some of Russia's key players, which include army generals, politicians, and warlords.
This is everything you need to know about the most influential people inside and outside of Putin's inner circle.