Sleep, cows and hot times at the banya
Russians hoping for a unchallenged policy and troubling relationship advice were not disappointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual live, call-in show Thursday The National Post’s Lauren Strapagiel recaps:
MILKING IT
Early in the program, a large chunk of time was dedicated to discussing Russia’s dairy industry. Born in Britain, John Kopiski came to Russia more than 20 years ago and owns a farm with 700 head of cattle. He asked Putin about the hardships of his industry and what the future looks like for his five Russian-born kids. But first, Putin wanted to know if Kopiski had come to Russia to “Cherchez la femme” (look for a woman). “I don’t speak French, sorry,” replied Kopinski, before confirming he married a Russian woman 23 years ago. Putin then told him if things were so bad, Kopinski wouldn’t have stayed in the industry for so many years.
THIS ONE TIME, AT THE BANYA ...
Putin was asked about the possibility of bringing other world leaders to a banya — a sauna — to ease negotiations, which prompted a delightful anecdote. Putin said he once took former German chancellor Gerhardt Schroder to a banya, only for the place to go down in flames after their arrival. “A true story,” said Putin. “He was having some beer and I told him get out, we have to leave urgently because the sauna is on fire. He said, ‘Let me finish my beer first.’ I said, ‘You’re crazy! the building is on fire!’ ... But he did finish his beer first. He’s this kind of man ... and it burned to the ground.”
PERSONAL MATTERS
A bow tie-clad 4-year-old boy told Putin he wants to president one day, but he’s worried about the presidential sleep schedule. Asked directly, again, by an anchor about how many hours a day he sleeps, Putin instead praised the boy’s enthusiasm and character. “I’m sure you will become president, it’s good that you like to sleep, you will be a healthy president.” In a rapid-fire round, Putin was asked: “Do you think your friends abuse your friendship?” “Not just friends,” said Putin, “everybody takes advantage of that.”
NO FOLLOW-UPS, PLEASE
The in-studio audience was completely stuffed with Putin’s admirers. Irina Khakamada, a former opposition leader, squeezed in a series of questions about the murder of Boris Nemtsov in February, the participation of political opposition and whether or not Russian troops are in Ukraine. Putin said the assassination of Nemstov was a “tragic and shameful event," but even though police have the names of the perpetrators, it’s unclear whether they’ll be able to pin down the mastermind. On whether there are troops in Ukraine, Putin responded with a short, clear “no.” Khakamada was not given opportunity to respond.
FETCHING ADVICE
Sandwiched between questions about foreign policy and Ukraine, Putin took a question from a woman who really wanted to get her friend a dog. The woman said her friend is turning 40 later this month and would like a dog as her gift, but her husband — a retired military man — is against it. The women figured that as Supreme Commander-in-Chief, maybe Putin would have some sway with the husband. An apparent stickler for process, Putin said that since the man is retired he can’t order him around. He suggested, rather, the woman’s friend reap the rewards of obeying her husband. “Or she can say, ‘I don’t need a dog, I’ll do as you say dear husband,” said Putin. “And I’m sure after that he’ll present her an elephant as a gift … and maybe a fur coat.”