Putin’s Annual News Conference: A Staged Spectacle of Confidence Amid Criticism
For the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine, I found myself at a Kremlin event with Vladimir Putin. It was a massive gathering with 600 people in a specially built TV studio.
The event, named “Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin,” was a combination of a news conference and a TV phone-in. It was a grand show broadcasted live on all major Russian TV channels.
In this carefully planned event, Putin presented his version of the world, where he claims to be right about everything.
Despite facing challenges last year during the Ukraine conflict, this year, Putin appears more confident, highlighting the improvement in the military situation.
The phone-in section aimed to portray Putin as a problem solver and boost his popularity ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
Viewers sent messages, both praising and criticizing Putin, but critical questions were not addressed during the broadcast.
The carefully orchestrated four-hour event hinted at different views without giving them much attention.
As a guest, I couldn’t ask questions, and it’s a missed opportunity considering the significant developments since the invasion.
The event, though well-organized, raises questions about the Kremlin’s control over information and the presentation of a carefully curated narrative. (Credit: BBC as the source)
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67718655