Vladimir Putin was humiliated during his year-end press conference today as screens showed questions about Russia's “reality”.
The Russian president is currently giving a speech in Moscow, and in addition to journalists' questions, ordinary citizens can also ask questions by telephone.
Citizens have been asking Putin questions for two weeks. State media said about two million questions had been sent to Putin as of Wednesday.
Questions were also apparently sent in text form via SMS, and although Putin did not answer them directly, they flashed on the screens mounted on the walls in the hall where the Russian despot was speaking.
However, not all of these messages aligned with the overall message of the heavily choreographed piece, which is more about spectacle than examination.
“Why does your “reality” contradict our lived reality?” A message displayed on the screens in the room asked the Russian president.
Vladimir Putin's year-end press conference today raised questions about Russia's “reality,” a humiliation for the Kremlin
“Why does your 'reality' contradict our lived reality?” This message, displayed on the screens in the room, asked the Russian president as he gave his annual press conference
Another question was: “When will the real Russia be the same as the one on TV?”, and another, albeit polite, question: “Hello.” When will it be possible to move to the Russia from which they raised us Tell Channel One?
Putin's tactics in Ukraine were also questioned in a message.
“Can you win a war while in 'active defense'?” the message asked.
Another drew attention to the rising food prices in Russia.
“Cucumbers cost 900 rubles per kilo, tomatoes 950 rubles.” Preparing a salad costs me 1,500 rubles. I won't even mention fruit. Make prices normal!'
Several other questions on the screens concerned gas and its rising costs, while one focused specifically on Russia's state-owned energy company Gazprom.
“We gave gas to China, we gave gas to Europe. When will there be gasoline in Khakassia?” One message asked about the Russian region in southern Siberia.
Another asked angrily: “How long will corruption be tolerated at Gazprom?” In the spring, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cost R16 per liter. Now 34P. How did the price increase by 200%? Why is there a deficit in the country and the caravans are heading west?
'Hello! Why are gasoline prices rising in Novosibirsk? And the price of gas isn't going down?' Another question was asked of Putin.
Just as Putin entered the hall to enthusiastic applause, a message appeared behind him saying: “We live almost without electricity, our appeals have changed nothing, the only hope that remains is in you.”
This question, which appeared on a screen behind Putin, was: “Hello.” When will it be possible to move to the Russia they tell us about on Channel One?
Regarding the war in Ukraine, this question was: “Can you win a war while in 'active defense'?”
Just as Putin entered the hall to enthusiastic applause, a message appeared behind him saying: “We live almost without electricity, our appeals have changed nothing, the only hope that remains is in you.” (Image)
Putin seemed neither impressed by the messages nor responded to them.
Instead, he spoke about his ongoing invasion and said Moscow's goals – “denazification, demilitarization and a neutral status” of Ukraine – remained unchanged.
He formulated these goals the day he sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022.
“Denazification” refers to Russia’s claims that the Ukrainian government is heavily influenced by radical nationalist and neo-Nazi groups. The claim is derided by Ukraine and the West.
Putin has also demanded that Ukraine remain neutral – and not join the NATO alliance. “There will be peace if we achieve our goals,” Putin said.
The Kremlin has since repeatedly stated that the “special military operation” in Ukraine will continue until these loosely defined objectives are achieved.
Providing rare details about Moscow's operation, Putin said about 244,000 troops called up to fight in Ukraine were currently on the battlefield and dismissed the need for a second wave of reservists mobilization.
He did not give a total number of troops in Ukraine, where professional Russian forces are also fighting.
In September 2022, Putin ordered a partial military call-up as he attempted to bolster his forces in Ukraine, sparking protests.
“There is no need” for a weakening, Putin said, as 1,500 men are being recruited into the Russian army across the country every day. He said a total of 486,000 soldiers had signed a contract with the Russian military as of Wednesday evening.
In addition to the fighting in Ukraine, the economy and social services will also be discussed at the press conference, Russian state journalists said.
Last year, Putin held neither his usual call-in show with ordinary Russians nor his traditional session with reporters.
Additionally, his annual State of the Union address was postponed until February this year. His last press conference came in 2021, when the US warned that Russia was close to sending troops to Ukraine.
With the future of Western aid to Ukraine in doubt and another winter of fighting looming, neither side has managed to achieve any significant success on the battlefield recently.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Washington on Tuesday and made an impassioned plea for more US aid and weapons.
Putin's appearance is aimed primarily at a domestic audience and will be a chance for him to personally solve the problems of ordinary Russian citizens and consolidate his power ahead of the March 17 elections.
But it is the first time since fighting began in Ukraine on February 24, 2022 that Putin, who has sharply limited his interaction with foreign media, is facing multiple questions from Western journalists.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (center) answers questions during his annual press conference with Russian federal, regional and foreign media in the Gostiny Dvor forum hall
“For the majority of people, this is their only hope and opportunity to solve the most important problems,” said a news report on state television on the Russia 1 channel.
In 2021, Putin called a citizen inquiring about water quality in the western Russian city of Pskov and personally assured him that he would order the government and local officials to fix the problem.
Some Russian journalists who queued for hours in freezing temperatures to get to the venue wore traditional clothing, including elaborate hats, to attract Putin's attention.
Many journalists also hold placards, prompting the Kremlin to limit the size of signs they can carry during the news conference, which often lasts about four hours.