Kathrine Frich
The dictator opened a rare window into the propaganda machine trying to humanise him.
The dictator opened a rare window into the propaganda machine trying to humanise him.
To mark 25 years in power, Vladimir Putin invited a Kremlin-friendly journalist into his private apartment for a 1:30am interview and the result was surreal.
Desperate to soften his image, the Russian president played host, spoke about his grandkids, and even offered up yogurt drinks from his fridge.
Between bizarre domestic anecdotes and chilling geopolitical claims, the dictator opened a rare window into the propaganda machine trying to humanise him.
Here are the 8 most eye-popping moments from the televised interview.
The Dictator Becomes… a Host?
Putin opened his kitchen fridge and poured out a bottle of kefir for his guest, TV interviewer Pavel Zarubin.
He claimed to cook for himself, only to backpedal and admit his aides usually help before insisting he could handle pouring dairy drinks just fine.
“I’m Not a Strict Grandad!”
Putin insisted he’s a warm, gentle grandfather who welcomes surprise visits from his grandchildren, despite his tight round-the-clock schedule.
When asked if he was strict with them, he quickly replied, “No, no!” in a clearly scripted moment of softness.
Propaganda Meets Prayer
The Russian leader claimed he gets on his knees to pray in times of crisis.
The first time, he said, was during the 2002 Moscow theatre hostage crisis, where hundreds died from gas released by his own security forces.
Not exactly the spiritual redemption arc he thinks it is.
Kefir for Longevity?
The camera lingered on Putin’s fridge and his preferred beverage, kefir, a fermented yogurt drink.
‘The not-so-subtle subtext? Putin is healthy, spry, and not suffering from the serious medical issues that have long been rumoured, including Parkinson’s disease.
Putin Talks Nukes
In one of the more sobering moments, Putin was asked why he hasn’t retaliated with nuclear force. His answer was:
“There was no need to use the weapons you’re talking about and, I hope, there won’t be.”
It was a chilling mix of reassurance and ambiguity.
“Of Course I Want to Punch People”
Asked whether he ever wants to lash out, Putin bluntly admitted: “Always… I live with it. But I fight it.”
The admission was framed as a moment of candid self-control but it came off as a window into a darker psychological truth.
His Apartment Was Supposed to Look “Normal”
The interview was set in what was described as Putin’s modest flat behind the Kremlin.
Viewers were greeted with cavernous rooms, towering ceilings, and a portrait of Tsar Alexander III, who also cracked down on Ukrainians and nationalists. So much for humble.
He’s Picking a Successor
Putin said he constantly thinks about his successor but wouldn’t name names.
He claimed the Russian people would make the choice, though added a cryptic comment about “election technologies” and “administrative resources.”
Translation: He’ll choose, not voters.