December 07, 2025

Dial-a-Putin


Dial-a-Putin
Putin answers citizen questions on the set of a 2021 "Direct Line with Vladimir Putin" session. Press Office of the President of Russia.

Got a question for Putin? Now's your chance to ask it.

On December 4, Russian state media announced that the Kremlin is soliciting submissions for the Russian president's annual call-in show, "Direct Line with Vladimir Putin."

The show will air live on December 19. Until that time, per Moscow, Russians can submit questions and topics via the internet for the president to address and be broadcasted on some of Russia's most ubiquitous TV channels.

"Direct Line with Vladimir Putin" is a long-standing annual PR event where Putin sits between two hosts as Russians' questions are discussed by Putin and the hosts. In the past, suggestions could be texted in live (resulting in some quite pointed topics) or discussed via video chat with citizens across the country.

This year, the Press Office of the President of Russia said questions will be vetted with assistance from AI to ensure that they are appropriate and informative.

Still, we can be certain that the show will be carefully orchestrated to sidestep any potential spiciness, what with the ongoing War in Ukraine, economic uncertainty, and continuing corruption.

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A Taste of Russia
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A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

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Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
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The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
Driving Down Russia's Spine
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The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

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Bears in the Caviar
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Bears in the Caviar

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