Vladimir Putin will not host his annual end-of-year press conference, the Kremlin has announced
Vladimir Putin has ducked out of his annual end-of-year press conference in Moscow, the Kremlin has announced today.
The decision comes after the Russian president had already banned Western media representatives from the event, according to reports.
Now speculation is mounting that Putin is running scared of scrutiny from Russian journalists over a year dominated by his invasion of Ukraine.
The major televised event, typically held between December 14 and 23, sees more than 500 reporters from home and abroad fire questions at Putin.
Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, gave no reason for the break with tradition.
‘As for the big press conference – yes there won’t be any until the New Year,’ he said.
Putin would ‘find a way’ to communicate with the Kremlin ‘pool’ – mainly ultra-loyal journalists, many from state media – Mr Peskov added.
The Russian leader also delayed his annual live Direct Line Q&A session with civilians over apparent concerns he could face criticism over the war and mobilisation, which is believed to left more than 100,000 people dead or wounded.
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Today’s announcement to cancel the press conference will fuel suspicions that Putin is afraid to face a grilling over his ‘special military operation’.
It has been held each year for the past decade, with a record 1,895 journalists accredited in 2019.
The 70-year-old president has also been dogged by long-standing rumours over his health, with reports suggesting he is battling colon cancer and Parkinsons.
The Kremlin was forced to deny claims Putin ‘soiled himself’ after falling down the stairs in one of his official residences.
Telegram news blog SVR General reported he ‘fell on his coccyx’ which provoked ‘involuntary defecation’.
Russia-Ukraine war: Everything you need to know
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, the country has suffered widespread damages and loss of life amid a major bombing campaign.
Millions of people have fled the country, with thousands of British people opening up their homes to Ukrainian refugees.
During the course of the war, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has remained in Kyiv, despite the Ukrainian capital being subjected to a barrage of bombing.
Zelensky has continuously pushed for aid and support from world leaders, as well as pressing for fast-tracked NATO membership.
Meanwhile, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has been widely condemned for his attack on Ukraine.
His actions have been met by harsh economic sanctions, bans from competing in major sporting events, and countries moving away from using Russian oil.
When did Russia invade Ukraine? A war timeline of important events
How can I house a Ukrainian refugee or family?
Where to buy a Ukraine ribbon pin
When did President Vladimir Putin come to power?
Who is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky?
What is Ukraine’s currency, language, and what does its flag symbolise?
Does Russia have any allies and what have they said about Ukraine?
What is NATO and which countries are members?
How to talk to children about what’s happening in Ukraine
How to cope with World War Three anxiety
Mr Peskov said Putin has also decided not to host a celebration to mark the New Year.
The warmonger’s cronies have a secret plan to help him flee to South America if he loses the war in Ukraine, a former ally claimed last week.
Putin, his family and other associates will reportedly flee to Argentina or Venezuela in the plot, dubbed Operation Noah’s Ark.
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The major televised event usually sees Putin face questions from more than 500 reporters.
