This is what one of Putin’s last encounters with independent journalists looked like Back then, he was still being asked questions that had not been agreed in advance. After the 1999 apartment bombings, the subject was extremely sensitive: allegations of possible involvement by Russian security services were being publicly discussed, something the Kremlin categorically denied. Then a journalist asks: “Does the end justify the means?” Putin suddenly appears to take the question as a personal accusation — and falls silent for a long moment. Within a few years, independent nationwide television in its previous form had all but disappeared. In April 2001, control of NTV passed to Gazprom, after which the channel’s management was replaced. Many journalists left in protest. After that, direct uncomfortable questions became increasingly rare, while Putin’s interactions with the press more and more often took the form of large, carefully staged events.

🍻 Two hammer blows — and the first keg of Oktoberfest is open! By tradition, the first beer is served to the Bavarian premier. For everyone else, a one-liter mug will cost almost €16 this year. And yes, ordering a smaller one isn’t an option 😉 nitter.cf/StadtMuenchen/status/2…