During President Vladimir Putin's annual year-end press conference on 19/12, 23-year-old reporter Kirill Bazhanov was invited by the host to ask a question.
"My girlfriend is watching this broadcast. Olga, will you marry me?", Bazhanov asked, drawing loud applause from the audience.
The reporter then addressed President Putin with a question about increased support for young families. Bazhanov explained that he and his girlfriend had been together for 8 years but faced challenges in starting a family due to high mortgage costs and general economic pressures on young couples.
President Putin praised Bazhanov's eye-catching red bow tie, remarking, "You are ready for the marriage registry office." He also responded to Bazhanov's question with a joke about contributing money for the wedding.
"Bazhanov only asked about the material conditions for young families. Indeed, a man should be the head of the family. Now, we will collectively raise enough money to organize the wedding," he said.
About an hour later, the press conference host interrupted to announce: "We have just received breaking news. TASS news agency reports that Bazhanov's girlfriend has accepted the proposal".
This announcement was met with applause throughout the hall, and President Putin also clapped to congratulate Bazhanov. The young reporter took the opportunity to invite President Putin to his wedding.
President Putin's year-end press conference lasted over 4 hours, during which he discussed the conflict in Ukraine, peace negotiations, and European policies.
The Russian President declared that the "right to decide" on ending the conflict rests with Ukraine and its Western allies, while denying accusations that Moscow was prolonging negotiations. He emphasized that Russia wants to end the conflict peacefully, but also noted that Russian forces were "advancing along the entire front line".
By Ngoc Anh (Sources: RT, NDTV, AP)
