Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a rare look into his private quarters in a new documentary.
Twenty-five years after rising to power, Putin gave a series of interviews to journalist Pavel Zarubin for Russian television outlet Rossiya 1. The result is a film titled Moscow. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years, which offers viewers another side to the stern-faced politician.
In the film, Putin, 72, welcomed Zarubin into his personal apartment inside the Kremlin, an impressive space decorated in shades of white and gold. He told the interviewer that he’s been living primarily out of the apartment for the last three years, which coincides with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Putin explained that it’s a personal space, noting that he’s shared tea in the apartment with President Bill Clinton — an indicator of their close relationship. When Zarubin asked after the Russian president’s grandchildren, Putin conceded that, while his family are welcome to visit him there, “they understand that I have a non-stop schedule.”
While he admitted that he “rarely” plays the impressive white piano, Putin said that he does spend significant time each day in the apartment’s “most important” area: the private gym.
Amid the tour, Putin and Zarubin sat down at his dining room table to drink kefir and discuss more about the Russian leader’s time in power.
Putin admitted that he thinks about who will succeed him “all the time.” In 2024, the Russian leader won his fifth presidential election with 88% of the vote, extending his rule until 2030.
In terms of a successor, Putin said he hopes that multiple candidates will emerge so that “the people have a choice.” However, he warned that the Russian population’s trust would have to be won in order for the new leader to accomplish “anything serious.”
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While his election results seem to indicate that the Russian leader is almost universally beloved, Zarubin noted that he often comes off as “cold-blooded and reserved.” The interviewer then asked if he ever feels the urge to haul off and hit someone.
“Always,” Putin replied. “I’m living with it, but I’m struggling with it.”
Somewhat ironically, Putin’s apartment tour had one notable portrait on display: Tsar Alexander III, whose nickname was “The Peacemaker.”
While Russia was in peacetime throughout his rule, Alexander III also increased censorship in the country and implemented Russification policies, like only teaching the Russian language in schools and dismantling religious institutions other than Eastern Orthodoxy.
As for his own efforts at peace, Putin referenced the war in Ukraine, which he spun as a “special military operation.” Russia invaded the neighboring country in February 2022 and the violent conflict has so far caused the deaths of tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians, in addition to significant troop losses.
Contributor/Getty Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks on the annexation of four Ukrainian regions on September 30, 2022
Putin ominously said that “so far” there has been no need for Russia to use its arsenal of nuclear weapons during the conflict.
“I hope they will not be required,” he added. “We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.”
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Despite his threats of military domination, in other parts of the documentary, Putin is depicted as universally beloved by his people, with millions of Russians cheering him on at massive rallies.
The president also attempts a humble image, with clips of him warmly embracing supporters, joking with children in the hospital and playfully straightening a soldier’s tie.
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It’s a study in contrast for a former KGB officer who became one of the most powerful men in the world — even as he claims not to embrace it.
“I have a feeling that I don’t feel like a politician, a person who sits and dictates the fate of his country,” Putin told Zarubin. “I continue to breathe the same air with millions of citizens of Russia.”
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