Reporters ask questions of world leaders all the time.
It’s not a big deal. Correct?
But how is it to ask questions of Vladimir Putin – the president who ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the leader whose country was this week accused of “exporting chaos” by the head of MI6?
Imagine posing that question live on TV in front of millions of Russian viewers.
This is a big responsibility. You would rather not mess up.
“My question is about the future of Russia. What kind of future are you planning for your country and your people?” I ask President Putin.
“Will the future resemble the present if any public objection to the official line is punishable by law?” Will the hunt for enemies at home and abroad intensify? Will mobile Internet outages become even more common? Will there be new ‘special military operations’?”
While I speak, Vladimir Putin is taking notes. And then they answer.
He defends Russia’s repressive foreign agent laws. Hundreds of Russians who are critical of the authorities have been designated “foreign agents.”
“We didn’t invent it,” Putin told me.
The term “foreign agent” was adopted in many Western countries, including the US, in the 1930s. And all these laws, including the American law, are much more strict…”
In fact, Russian law is harsh. It excludes “foreign agents” from many aspects of public life, including teaching, civil services, elections, and public events. It imposes financial and property restrictions. A single administrative fine may be followed by criminal prosecution.
I am unable to convey this to President Putin.
However, I am unable to convey this to President Putin. After I finished my question, the microphone was taken away from me.
Suddenly the moderator intervenes to change the topic.
Anchor Pavel Zarubin says, “Here’s another question: ‘What’s going to happen to the BBC? It’s facing a billion-dollar lawsuit from the US president?’
“I think President Trump is right,” President Putin confirmed.
The Kremlin and the White House are seen facing off…on BBC.
Putin Back to my question.
“Will there be any new special military operations? There will not be if you treat us respectfully and respect our interests, as we have always tried to do with you. Unless you betray us, as you did with NATO’s eastward expansion.”
It is visible for all to see what is driving Vladimir Putin – a deep resentment of the West.
He argues that, for years, Western leaders have insulted, deceived and lied to Russia – and they are lying still further by claiming that Moscow intends to attack Europe. “What kind of nonsense is that?” The Kremlin leader announces.
But many European leaders do not trust Moscow at all.
In the run-up to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian officials denied that they had plans for a large-scale attack.
Recently Russia has been accused of violating European airspace with fighter planes and drones, as well as carrying out cyber attacks and sabotage actions.
But as he finished answering my question, was this an olive branch to Europe from the President of Russia?
“We are ready to immediately end hostilities, provided that Russia’s medium- and long-term security is ensured, and we are ready to cooperate with you.”
However, if Moscow continues to link its long-term security to its maximalist demands on Ukraine, European leaders will remain sceptical.
