Putin Reflects on Childhood Dreams and Unique Encounter During Annual Q&A Session

In a candid moment during the annual Direct Line Q&A session, Russian President Vladimir Putin shared insights into his childhood aspirations. Putin revealed that while he once dreamed of becoming a pilot, his ultimate goal, even in high school, was to become an intelligence officer—a dream he successfully realized.

During the engaging four-hour session, Putin, who has been at the helm for nearly 24 years, addressed a myriad of questions from citizens and journalists. Responding to a lighthearted inquiry about doppelgangers, Putin humorously asserted his uniqueness, stating that he is the sole individual capable of speaking in his distinctive voice. He also expressed surprise at encountering what he playfully called his "first doppelganger."

This year's Q&A session seamlessly blended the traditional format with Putin's year-end press conference, offering a comprehensive interaction that lasted four hours and three minutes. Reflecting on previous years, the 2020 session lasted 4 hours and 30 minutes, with the longest recorded duration in 2013 at 4 hours and 47 minutes and an annual press conference record of 4 hours and 40 minutes in 2008.