Putin Faces Rare Criticism During Annual TV Event as Anti-War Messages Appear On-Screen
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Text messages critical of Putin's invasion of Ukraine appeared on screen behind him during his annual phone-in event. Messages challenged his "reality" and propaganda.
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It's unclear how messages slipped through vetting process, but may have been a security lapse or deliberate to feign free speech.
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Exiled opposition figure said filters apparently let some uncomfortable questions through to Putin.
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Putin claimed over 600,000 Russian troops now in Ukraine, double the initial invasion force.
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Putin skipped last year's phone-in while Russian forces were losing, but looked confident this year after regaining momentum.