Vladimir Putin is one to do things his own way, even if it looks strange to others. Indeed in a recent video of the Russian President, he is seen having a meeting with one other person, but the whole set-up is rather awkward.
Discover our latest podcast
In the video, Putin is addressing a single person in a big room whilst standing on a podium, while his guest sits at a round table on her own. Surely it would have made more sense to sit at the table with his guest? As expected, Twitter users are sharing their thoughts on the matter. But who was Putin’s meeting with?
Vladimir Putin met with the first woman in space
As reported by Indy 100, Vladimir Putin met with Valentina Tereshkova, 70, who was the first woman to go into space. The meeting was in honour of the 60th anniversary of her space adventure.
Surprisingly, Vladimir Putin decided to address Tereshkova from a podium in a big meeting room whilst Tereshkova was on her own at a round table with a pen and paper. What makes this situation bizarre is that usually a podium and microphone are used by leaders when addressing a big crowd, not a single person.
Read more:Vladimir Putin's obsession with long tables and distancing may have a deeper meaning
A weird Putin moment from the other day. While congratulated Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, on the 60th anniversary of her flight.
— max seddon (@maxseddon) June 18, 2023
Note that he is speaking from a lectern, even though nobody else is there bar a couple Kremlin hangers-on pic.twitter.com/PDCLVJq8oD
Read more:
⋙ Vladimir Putin's latest appearance for Russia Day is going viral, here's why
Twitter reacts to Vladimir Putin
As can be expected, people took to Twitter to point out how bizarre his behaviour was. Some pointed out that the situation was hilarious:
Comedy gold
She has a paper & pen (?). To what …? Write him a thank you note ?🤣🤣🤣. We shall be formal today fellow Russians!!!! Bahahahaha
Others have explained that it is actually a sign of respect for Valentina Tereshkova:
If Putin is giving an official state award or recognition, than to do this at tableside would simply be unbecoming and disrespectful.
It is a gesture of respect in Russia, that President addresses a national hero formally from a lectern with praise that is to be recorded for posterity.
The gesture is appropriate for a hero of the Russian people even if there are only 2 people there.
A sign of respect,its a way of showing homage to a very brave woman
Finally, others have speculated it has something to do with his health and that he needs the lectern to help keep his balance and to hide his shaky legs:
Probably wanted the kind that would hide his shakey legs but they messed it up.
He has a problem with balance after the stroke. The lectern offers support discreetly.
Sources used:
Indy 100: ‘Putin addresses crowd of one person from a lectern in latest 'weird' Kremlin moment’
