Kremlin tightens control ahead of Putin's staged Q&A event
The Kremlin intends to eliminate any potential disruptions during Vladimir Putin's annual "big conference." The leader "will not encounter any uncomfortable questions," but promises will be made from the stage for soldiers and their families.
Annual press conferences and so-called direct lines organised by Vladimir Putin are media events that aim to present his policies, respond to queries from citizens and journalists, and uphold his image both domestically and internationally. His speech can last up to five hours and always occurs in December.
Putin only refrained from speaking "with the nation" twice: in 2020, due to the pandemic, and in 2023, which experts believe was due to Russia's challenges on the front in the conflict with Ukraine.
"No uncomfortable questions"
This time, during the direct line planned for December, Putin is expected to announce new support measures for soldiers and their families, sources from "Vierski" have reported.
According to a Kremlin insider, the presidential administration and the government are currently negotiating the details of these measures. These likely involve new benefits for families with multiple children and improvements to the child maintenance payment system. Additionally, soldiers might receive "new professional guarantees."
Connections with soldiers and their families
A source involved in preparing the direct line confirmed that special attention will be given to queries from soldiers. According to the insider, "there will definitely be several instances" addressing various issues raised by the military.
This information was also confirmed by a high-ranking parliamentarian: According to him, the "inclusion" of soldiers and their families in the press conference is planned multiple times.
- It is expected that they will ask questions regarding payments and relief, as well as express gratitude to Putin for the assistance already provided - claims the source.
As the insider points out, if previously there were sometimes uncomfortable questions or unexpected statements during direct lines and press conferences, this time they are "excluded."
- Technically speaking: strict moderation of texts on the screen and questions from journalists. This time, questions will be "filtered" to ensure there are no disloyal ones - adds the insider.
Putin's orchestrated performance
Strict moderation of questions before the direct line was also confirmed by one of the journalists from the Kremlin pool. This term refers to the group of journalists who regularly cover events related to the activities of the Russian president.
According to the source now "many topics are banned."
- It is known that there will be no issues related to drones, fertility policy, the decline of the rouble's exchange rate, or specifics about negotiations with Ukraine - the source emphasised.
