Kathrine Frich
Diplomatic appearances are designed to project authority, control and confidence.
At international summits, even minor missteps can take on symbolic weight, especially when leaders seek to present themselves as steady figures on the world stage.
That dynamic was on display this week when a routine address unfolded in an unexpected way.
Speech interrupted
Vladimir Putin appeared visibly unsettled after his microphone failed during the opening moments of a speech at the International Forum on Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.
The Russian president stood in silence for more than 30 seconds as applause faded and his words failed to reach the audience.
Sixteen heads of state and government were present, including leaders from NATO countries.
Footage showed Putin looking around the room and gesturing slightly as he tried to determine why he could not be heard.
An aide eventually approached and showed him how to switch the microphone on. “Thank you,” Putin said curtly before continuing with his remarks.
Reaction online
The incident quickly spread across social media, where it was widely mocked. Azerbaijan based outlet Minval reported:
“Putin couldn’t work his microphone; he pressed the wrong button and spoke without sound for almost a minute.”
The same outlet added:
“Nothing unusual. Putin in Ashgabat spoke for half a minute without sound until they turned on the microphone button for him.”
Ukrainian commentators were more scathing.
“He got what he deserved. Putin has no business addressing a peace forum after killing hundreds of thousands in the war,” one comment read.
Comparisons drawn
Russian outlet ChTD drew comparisons between the moment and Putin’s frequent habit of instructing visiting leaders on how to use translation headsets in the Kremlin.
“The same Putin who regularly shows foreign leaders how to turn on headphones with simultaneous translation, which the Kremlin propaganda loves to talk about, comparing the advanced Kremlin host with his clueless guests,” the outlet wrote.
Wider visit
Among the leaders in attendance were Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Putin is on a two day visit to Turkmenistan and is expected to hold talks with officials from Iraq and Iran.
The Russian leader arrived in Ashgabat using his Aurus limousine, driving through the capital as part of the official programme.
Sources: Minval, Express.
