Watch: Russian journalist proposes to girlfriend during live presser with Putin
A Russian journalist stunned viewers by proposing to his girlfriend during Vladimir Putin's live year-end press conference, drawing applause and getting a playful response from the Russian President himself.
Between threats of war and questions about Russia's economy, Vladimir Putin’s marathon year-end press conference delivered an unexpected plot: a live marriage proposal that briefly turned the Kremlin's stern political stage into a rom-com.
Halfway through Putin's hours-long session, regional journalist Kirill Bazhanov seized a moment few lovers would dare to choose and made it his own.
Wearing a red bow tie and holding up a placard that read "I want to get married", the 23-year-old caught Putin's attention and went off script.
"I know that my girlfriend is watching the press conference now," Bazhanov told the packed hall of reporters. "Olga, will you marry me?"
The unexpected proposal drew laughter and applause from the audience as the live broadcast continued across Russia and beyond.
SHE SAID YES
Bazhanov later returned to his assigned question, asking Putin about the rising cost of living and the burden of high mortgage payments. He explained that he and his partner have been together for eight years but cannot afford to start a family.
An hour later, the hosts cut into the session with an update.
"We are getting breaking news. This is very important for one of us who is here. TASS is reporting that the girlfriend of Kirill Bazhanov has agreed to his proposal," the moderator said.
Turning to him, the host confirmed, "She will marry you".
The announcement triggered fresh applause. Putin joined in, clapping along with the room.
AN INVITATION TO PUTIN
Buoyed by the response, Bazhanov extended an invitation to the Kremlin chief. "Mr President, we would be so glad to see you at our wedding ceremony," he said.
Putin declined the invite but leaned into the moment with a joke.
"Kirill was just asking about the material conditions for young families. And that's right – a man should be the breadwinner. Now we'll pass the hat around and collect at least enough for the wedding," Putin said.
Between threats of war and questions about Russia's economy, Vladimir Putin’s marathon year-end press conference delivered an unexpected plot: a live marriage proposal that briefly turned the Kremlin's stern political stage into a rom-com.
Halfway through Putin's hours-long session, regional journalist Kirill Bazhanov seized a moment few lovers would dare to choose and made it his own.
Wearing a red bow tie and holding up a placard that read "I want to get married", the 23-year-old caught Putin's attention and went off script.
"I know that my girlfriend is watching the press conference now," Bazhanov told the packed hall of reporters. "Olga, will you marry me?"
The unexpected proposal drew laughter and applause from the audience as the live broadcast continued across Russia and beyond.
SHE SAID YES
Bazhanov later returned to his assigned question, asking Putin about the rising cost of living and the burden of high mortgage payments. He explained that he and his partner have been together for eight years but cannot afford to start a family.
An hour later, the hosts cut into the session with an update.
"We are getting breaking news. This is very important for one of us who is here. TASS is reporting that the girlfriend of Kirill Bazhanov has agreed to his proposal," the moderator said.
Turning to him, the host confirmed, "She will marry you".
The announcement triggered fresh applause. Putin joined in, clapping along with the room.
AN INVITATION TO PUTIN
Buoyed by the response, Bazhanov extended an invitation to the Kremlin chief. "Mr President, we would be so glad to see you at our wedding ceremony," he said.
Putin declined the invite but leaned into the moment with a joke.
"Kirill was just asking about the material conditions for young families. And that's right – a man should be the breadwinner. Now we'll pass the hat around and collect at least enough for the wedding," Putin said.