The Kremlin released a clip showing President Vladimir Putin driving out to meet his former high school teacher for dinner, amid Western media reports citing European intelligence that the Russian leader has spent weeks living in an underground bunker over safety concerns.
The Kremlin shared a video of President Vladimir Putin driving a Russian-made Aurus SUV through central Moscow to pick up Vera Dmitriyevna Gurevich, his former German language teacher, before taking her to a dinner at the presidential residence after Victory Day activities.
The clip, released by Kremlin media, quickly went viral on social media, as many viewed it as a reflection of the Russian leader's softer side and personal bonds.
In the video, 73-year-old Putin is casually dressed in jeans and a light jacket, holding a large bouquet as he meets the 88-year-old teacher in a Moscow hotel lobby. The two warmly embraced and conversed, reportedly reminiscing about Putin's school days in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg.
The Kremlin stated that Putin invited his former teacher to attend the Victory Day parade on Red Square and to participate in several cultural events in Moscow over the following days.
This video was released after several Western outlets cited European intelligence reports claiming Putin spent weeks hiding in an underground bunker during the Ukraine war due to fears of assassination attempts or a coup.
However, Russian officials denied these allegations, calling them "nonsense" and said the video was intended to counter the rumors and criticism that Putin is becoming distant from the Russian people.
Putin has held power in Russia as president and prime minister since 1999 and is serving his current term until 2030. Despite some decline, his approval ratings remain relatively high according to state surveys.
Meanwhile, Russia is facing pressure from an economic slowdown, public dissatisfaction with internet controls, and the prolonged war in Ukraine. Previously, Putin stated he believes the war in Ukraine is nearing its end, while still affirming that Russia will achieve victory.