Introducing The History Bureau: Putin and the Apartment Bombs

Hear a teaser for The History Bureau: Putin and the Apartment Bombs, from the BBC. In September 1999, just weeks after a 46-year-old Vladimir Putin became Prime Minister, four bombs blew up four apartment buildings across Russia, killing hundreds of people while they slept.

The attacks plunged the country into panic. Families fled their homes. Residents patrolled their blocks around the clock. An entire nation paralyzed by fear. But who did it? It's a mystery that has fuelled some chilling theories.

Over 25 years later, journalists who covered the bombings still can't agree on who planted the explosives or why. Presenter Helena Merriman returns to the story with the reporters who were there on the ground.

If you like what you hear, find The History Bureau: Putin and the Apartment Bombs on BBC.com, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you’re in the UK, listen on BBC Sounds.