Is It a Question?
A former Russian football coach, Valery Gazzayev, has become a hero on social media. His awkward question on the 2018 FIFA World Cup legacy puzzled commentators, as some initially didn’t even grasp what he was asking about.
However, Putin could decipher the question.
Gazzayev’s compliment was so “long … he couldn’t finish it” like the one by Ostap Bender from “The Twelve Chairs.”
Short, precise, clear
Gazzayev demanded Saint Nickolas help Putin!
Gazzayev toasted Putin instead of asking a question as he’s used to.
Presidential Sacrifice and Advice
The discussion also went personal when the anchors asked Vladimir Putin what he sacrifices by being Russia’s president. He admitted that it’s one’s private life that one sacrifices.. He also revealed what he would advise his children: “Don’t lie.”
READ MORE: Highlights of Vladimir Putin's Direct Line Q&A Session
Putin Goes on ‘First Name’ Basis
Vladimir Putin pointed at Germany’s Angela Merkel, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Japan’s Shinzo Abe as world leaders whom he addresses by their first name. This contrasts with the respectful form he uses with Czech Republic’s Milos Zeman, who is older than him.
Finance Minister Absent
The finance minister’s empty seat before the teleconference puzzled commentators.
Has anybody noticed that Putin lacks a minister!?
Where is the Finance Ministry?
Are they going to build a huge Power Ranger after the Q&A ends?
Volodya, Aren’t You Tired
During the fourth hour of the presidential hotline, somebody asked the president: “Volodya [short for Vladimir], aren't you tired?” He promptly answered "No."
Good Car Indeed
Putin responded to an internet meme depicting him at the gas station along with Lada Kalina, seemingly puzzled over gasoline prices.
What prices!