Putin’s End-of-Year Press Conference, in Photos
Russian President Vladimir Putin held his 15th annual end-of-year press conference at the World Trade Center in Moscow on Thursday.
Almost 1,900 journalists, including reporters from the UK, Turkey, Ukraine and Estonia, were accredited to attend the event, meaning almost 2,000 questions had been prepared in advance.
Of course, there wasn't enough time for the president to answer every question — so some journalists took drastic measures to catch Putin's eye and stand out from the crowd.
Here's a look at their best attempts:
Almost 1,900 journalists, including reporters from the UK, Turkey, Ukraine and Estonia, were accredited to attend the event, meaning almost 2,000 questions had been prepared in advance.
Of course, there wasn't enough time for the president to answer every question — so some journalists took drastic measures to catch Putin's eye and stand out from the crowd.
Here's a look at their best attempts:
This year's conference lasted 4 hours and 19 minutes.
Andrei Nikerichev / Moskva News Agency
While representatives from some media outlets tried to ask provocative questions...
Andrei Nikerichev / Moskva News Agency
...Others made emotional appeals to Russia's president, asking him to help with problems in their regions and telling personal stories.
Andrei Nikerichev / Moskva News Agency
There were some awkward moments too.
Valery Sharifulin / TASS
"Give me poison": Journalists try to attract the head of state's attention with colorful and provocative posters every year.
Moskva News Agency
"I saw pain." This time, the conference's organizers put a limit on poster size.
Moskva News Agency
During the event, Putin said that patriotism is the only possible ideology of a modern society.
Vyacheslav Prokofyev / TASS
