MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meticulously orchestrated annual press conference unfolded as a study in contrasts, blending serious geopolitical discourse with unexpectedly personal moments. The four-and-a-half-hour event showcased Putin’s dual role as both statesman and paternal figure to the nation.
The proceedings took a romantic turn when Kirill Bazhanov, a journalist from Yekaterinburg’s Channel 4, displayed a marriage proposal directed at his girlfriend Olga during the live broadcast. Putin, noting the reporter’s distinctive red bow tie, remarked, ‘You’re ready to go to the registry office!’ The couple subsequently extended a wedding invitation to the Russian leader.
Amid these lighter exchanges, the conference addressed substantial concerns including delayed pension payments, problematic construction projects, and Russia’s ongoing military engagement in Ukraine—now approaching its fourth year. The event’s carefully managed nature provided Putin, who has governed Russia for a quarter-century, with a platform to expound on diverse topics while cultivating his image as a leader attentive to ordinary citizens.
Journalists employed various tactics to capture presidential attention, from holding distinctive signs to wearing traditional national attire. One reporter brought customized Labubu dolls resembling Russian officials and former U.S. President Donald Trump, while another queried about extraterrestrial possibilities regarding an approaching comet.
The event’s security protocols were briefly tested when Tajik journalist Shamsudin Boboyev attempted to present Putin with a book, prompting swift intervention by security personnel. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov subsequently advised that gifts should be described rather than physically presented.
In a concluding personal revelation, Putin affirmed his belief in love at first sight when pressed by journalists, offering a rare glimpse into the private sentiments of the notoriously guarded leader.