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Russian President Vladimir Putin has been accused of using actors in military uniforms instead of real soldiers to appear on state television during his New Year’s address. Photos and videos shared on social networks by opponents of the regime, among others, should prove this. Especially a blonde woman, who can be seen next to Putin, comes into the picture.

During his nine-minute New Year’s speech, which focused mainly on the war in Ukraine, Putin appeared to be in the middle of a group of soldiers. According to the Russian media, he has rewarded soldiers for their services. The blonde soldier can clearly be seen next to him. Videos also show her receiving an award. But could it be that Putin’s “heroine” was not in the front at all?

«A soldier, a sailor, a devout Christian»

The woman is said to have been present several times at Putin’s public appearances – albeit in different roles and wearing different outfits. Belarusian journalist Tadeusz Giczan wrote on Twitter: “A soldier, a sailor, a devout Christian. God leads in mysterious ways.” Giczan also shared photos showing the same blonde woman, including during Putin’s Easter speech.

Other observers wrote that they had already seen the woman in a photo of a group of soldier mothers Putin had met. There was also speculation whether she could be a politician from Putin’s governing United Russia party.

Other observers said they could recognize some of the faces of the male soldiers in other photos as well. Kremlin critic Igor Sushko claimed that Putin never risks being around ordinary Russian people.

In his speech, Putin again accused the West of “lying”. “Western elites have hypocritically assured us all for years of their peaceful intentions, including resolving the most serious conflict in Donbass,” Putin said. “The West has lied about peace and is preparing for aggression. And today he’s not even ashamed to openly admit it.”

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. However, Russian leaders only describe their own war of aggression as a “special military operation” and justify it over and over again by saying that it only prevented an attack by Ukraine.

Whether the people in the photos with the Russian president are actually actors can only be speculated about.