Unexpected Romance at Annual Press Conference
A moment of unexpected romance unfolded during President Vladimir Putin's annual year-end news conference in Moscow on Friday, December 19, 2025. Amidst serious political discussions, Kirill Bazhanov, a journalist from Yekaterinburg's Channel 4, seized the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend, Olga, live on national television.
The incident provided a lighthearted interlude in the typically formal and lengthy event, drawing attention from both the audience in the Gostinny Dvor amphitheater and millions of viewers across the Russian Federation.
The Public Proposal
Dressed in a distinctive red bow tie, Kirill Bazhanov stood up during the conference, holding a sign that reportedly read 'I want to get married' or 'Will you marry me?'. He then addressed his girlfriend directly, knowing she was watching the broadcast, stating, 'I know that my girlfriend is watching the press conference now. Olechka, marry me!' The bold gesture was met with applause from the assembled journalists and attendees.
Putin's Lighthearted Acknowledgment
President Putin, known for his tightly orchestrated annual media sessions, acknowledged the journalist's proposal with a smile. Noticing Bazhanov's attire, Putin lightheartedly remarked, 'You're ready to go to the registry office!' Bazhanov, buoyed by the attention, extended an invitation to the Russian leader, saying, 'Mr President, we would be so glad to see you at our wedding ceremony.'
Following his proposal, Bazhanov transitioned to a more serious topic, posing a question to Putin regarding state support for young families and the high cost of living in Russia. He highlighted that he and Olga had been together for eight years but had not dared to start a family due to economic conditions.
A 'Yes' and Broader Context
Approximately an hour after the proposal, news reached the conference that Olga had accepted. This update was relayed by the hosts, leading to renewed applause. According to Russian media, Olga's response was, 'When we met, I was 12 years old, and I never would have imagined that we would have such a touching and tender love story. I love you very much, and my answer is, of course, yes!'
Putin, upon hearing the confirmation, quipped about the financial aspect, stating, '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.' While Putin did not explicitly accept the wedding invitation, his playful response underscored the event's blend of serious policy discussions with unexpected human-interest moments. The annual press conference, often lasting over four hours, serves as a platform for Putin to address a wide range of issues and engage with the public.
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