Vladimir Putin has publicly scolded a senior minister and ally during a meeting broadcast on state television. Speaking during a video call with officials on Wednesday, the Russian leader appeared agitated and berated deputy prime minister Denis Manturov, who is also the trade and industry minister, responsible for overseeing Russia’s defence industry and the supply of equipment to Russian troops. Putin criticised Manturov for working too slowly on the country’s aircraft contracts.
At the beginning of the call, Manturov is heard promising Putin that he will provide 175bn roubles (£2.12bn) to the state airline Aeroflot to lease civilian and military aircraft for 2023 though to 2025. However, Putin interrupts to claim none of the contracts are ready. 'I know that there are no contracts at the enterprises, the directors told me,' he says. 'What are you, really, playing the fool?'
Putin scolds defence industry minister in televised meeting for ‘playing the fool’