On Live TV Frustrated Putin Discusses With Minister

On Live TV! Frustrated Putin Discusses With Minister

Vladimir Putin’s nerves are on edge. This is not only demonstrated by his maneuvers on the battlefield, he is also increasingly irritated in public.

The Kremlin despot’s latest frustrating incident took place a few days ago on Russian state television. As is often the case, Putin exchanged views with his ministers via videoconference on the country’s current economic situation. The meetings will be broadcast on state TV. But this Wednesday was a little different.

Putin Angry: “It Takes Too Long”

At the first government meeting this year, Russian Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov reported on the production of planes, helicopters and ships. But suddenly Putin interrupted his minister and complained that some companies had not yet received government contracts for 2023. “It’s taking too long,” the Kremlin chief said angrily. He accused Manturov of causing bureaucratic delays in ordering civil and military aircraft.

Manturov tried to explain to Putin that Russia faces many challenges because of the invasion of Ukraine and the accompanying Western sanctions. The Russian aviation industry had to adapt to domestic production due to lack of access to Western technology – and that hurdle would take time.

“Why are you making a fool of yourself?”

Putin didn’t seem to mind. His tone hardened, his impatience and anger at Manturov easy to read in his face. “Why are you making a fool of yourself?” Putin thundered before asking his minister: “When will there be treaties?”

Manturov assured that “in the near future” everything will be done to win contracts for the production of aircraft. But this answer was not enough for the president – ​​he stated that the contracts had to be there within a month, “understand?”, he asked. “Yes,” said an intimidated Manturov.

Manturov was his favorite

This dispute is surprising because the Russian industry minister was until now one of Putin’s favorites. But now the Kremlin chief has lost his temper, Russia expert Anders Aslund wrote on Twitter. He hopes Manturov can now be sacked – if not, “that looks very weak”, commented the expert.

The Russian president is known for publicly disparaging the country’s top politicians. Before the start of the war in February 2022, the head of the Russian foreign intelligence service, Sergey Naryshkin, had to experience it firsthand. He suggested that Putin give Western countries one more chance before launching the invasion.

According to journalist Emma Burrows, through these appearances, Putin is creating a “culture of fear” in Russia. To avoid being reprimanded by Putin, problems must be covered up and blame shifted, she said on Twitter.

Today's slideshow #100006950Single navigation account Time 15.01.2023, 13:49 | Act: 01/15/2023, 1:49 pm