Putin asks girls (8) to send him cucumbers

He seems nice and talks like an uncle to a little girl (8): Vladimir Putin tries to be a philanthropist in a new propaganda video.

According to Russian propaganda media, the footage shows the ruler of the Kremlin having a telephone conversation with Alexandra Titarenko, 8, from Russian-occupied Zaporizhia in Ukraine.

After a round of small talk, the phone call suddenly takes a strange turn: the Kremlin boss asks the girl if she can send him some cucumbers. But what is the bizarre request about? And: why did the two call each other at all?

He had chosen her card

Alexandra Titarenko took part in the Kremlin Christmas campaign “The Wishing Tree”. Her dearest wish: to marvel at the residence of «Ded Moros» in Veliky Ustyug in northwestern Russia. “Ded Moros” means Father Frost. He is something like the “Santa Claus” of the Russians.

Since Putin picked out her Christmas card during the “Wishing Tree” campaign, her dream came true and nothing stood in the way of a visit to Father Frost, who brings presents to children in Russia on New Year’s Day.

“I know you grow cucumbers and tomatoes”

To find out how she liked the surprise, the Kremlin boss called her, “What do you think of Ded Moros?” Is it great?” asks the Kremlin ruler. Judging by Putin’s reaction in the video, the girl couldn’t stop raging. Kringel, biscuits and fine tea – Vadertje Vorst would have had everything that would make children’s hearts beat faster.

Then comes the bizarre part: Alexandra is supposed to say hello to her mom and dad. “I know you grow cucumbers and tomatoes. Will you also send me cucumbers?’ asks Putin, then says he’ll wait for Alexandra’s New Year’s gifts. According to a report by the Ukrainian news portal Ukrainska Pravda, it is unclear whether Putin actually called the child from the occupied territories or whether the scene was simply staged. (dzc)