Being in the middle of Vladimir Putin’s end-of-year press conference — televised across Russia and held after the Russian leader threatened to raze Ukrainian cities and said he would not back down from his nearly four-year military offensive in the country — is not at the top of most lovers’ lists. But for journalist Kirill Bazhanov, it was the perfect moment.
Wearing a red bow tie and holding a sign reading “I want to get married,” Bazhanov caught the longtime leader’s eye and got his chance.
— I know my girlfriend is watching the press conference right now. Olechka, marry me! — he declared, to the applause of the audience composed mainly of pro-government regional journalists.
Putin uses his hours-long telethon as much as a forum for blunt foreign policy statements as he does to offer all kinds of advice on love and family, recite poetry or promise to repair potholes in the streets.
Bazhanov, who then asked a question about the high cost of living in Russia, had to wait for an answer. After about an hour, the presenters interrupted Putin to tell him the good news: Olechka had said yes. More cheers and applause followed.
Putin did not respond to the invitation to attend future nuptials, but offered to organize a fundraiser.
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