FACE OF FURY
Tense moment fearless Brit journalist risks Putin’s wrath telling him ‘you’re weaker than Trump’ in face-to-face attack
Watch Vlad's unimpressed reaction to being put on the spot by the journalist
THIS is the powerful moment a British journalist bravely challenges Vladimir Putin and labels him as a "weaker leader" than Donald Trump.
Fearless Keir Simmons launched the rare full-frontal attack on the mad despot at his bizarre annual call-in event with Vlad left red-faced with rage.
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Simmons was allowed to ask the Russian leader a question at yesterday's marathon conference as he took the opportunity to lambast Putin over his unsuccessful 2024.
The top NBC journalist said directly to the tyrant: "Mr President you have failed to reach the objectives of your special military operation.
"Large numbers of Russians have died - including a general assassinated here in Moscow this week and the leader of Syria who you supported has been overthrown.
"Mr President when you face President-elect Trump you will be the weaker leader, how do you propose to compromise, what are you going to offer?"
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Before he responded to the question Putin appeared to take a moment to compose himself as he coughed several times to clear his throat.
This fit continued for some time with the despot seemingly choking on his own rage.
In typical tyrant fashion Putin avoided the question altogether as he saved face, according to the clip.
The scathing Russian review from Simmons came just after Putin spoke about his desire to speak with Trump "any time".
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Vlad said he was ready to meet Trump - who has pledged to end Russia's invasion with a quick peace after he takes office.
He said the pair would "have things to discuss" but said Trump had not contacted him yet.
Putin begins annual hours-long phone-in with Russian ‘public’ stooges after Syria calamity & slaughter of North Koreans
Putin added: "Politics is the art of compromise. We have always said that we are ready for both talks and compromise."
The dictator also claimed that his bungled invasion, which he thought would capture Kyiv in three days, had made Russia stronger.
He said: "Russia has become much stronger over the past two or three years because it has become a truly sovereign country.
"We are standing firm in terms of economy, we are strengthening our defence potential and our military capability now is the strongest in the world."
In response to Putin's comments, Zelensky said: "Do you think he is a sane person?"
The odd statements from the president was poised to him at his annual strange call-in on Thursday.
The Russian dictator lived up to his typical boastful nature as he rambled on about Russia not losing in Syria despite the embarrassing rebel siege on his pal Assad.
At one point he even came across as childish when he offered out the US to a bizarre "missile duel" involving his Orshenik rockets.
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The tightly choreographed press conference has become part of Vlad's calendar as it gives him a chance to speak to his brainwashed fans.
It is broadcast live by state-controlled TV and gives the ageing tyrant an easy opportunity to reinforce his powerful image of control.
Other topics at the conference included questions regarding Russia's health care system, infrastructure and social benefits.
Putin even boasted about Russia's economic performance, which he assured was "stable and developing".
He said: "With the economy as a whole, the situation in Russia is stable, despite external threats and attempts to influence us."
However, experts believe Russia's economy has taken a huge blow because of the Ukraine war - something Putin has been reluctant to address.
In the four-hour chat, Putin also appeared to slip up on live TV and confirm he has two secret children.
He revealed he enjoys watching films with his "little ones" amid claims he has a pair of young sons with Olympic gymnast lover Alina Kabaeva.
Rumours over secret sons have surrounded the despot for years after independent journalists uncovered a potential fresh family growing.
The unverified claims say the ageing tyrant and long-term partner Kabaeva - a woman decades younger than him - actually have boys already.
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Ivan, 9 and Vladimir, 5, are said to be the latest two additions to the Putin family tree.
He has never confirmed these children with the Kremlin officially stating he has just two daughters - Maria Vorontsova, 39, and Katerina Tikhonova, 38.
Putin's annual call-in summed up...
By Georgie English, Foreign News Reporter
VLADIMIR Putin's bizarre call-in event sums up the dictator's nature as he appeared to spend several hours trying to convince himself and his people that Russia is still in a strong position.
This comes after his war in Ukraine has continuously faltered, his closest foreign ally in Assad was swiftly overthrown and his troops (including North Korean cannon fodder) continue to be killed.
The strange event is known as Putin's annual address.
In it he answers dozens of questions from Russian civilians in a marathon news conference while also touching on his plans for the future.
It is typically seen as his final yearly round-up but is often used to reinforce his authority and demonstrate sweeping control of the country’s political scene.
This year he touched on a number of subjects from the handpicked questions with Syria and Ukraine both major talking points.
He admitted to being open over having conversations with Ukraine to try and find an end to the conflict after almost three long years.
In a rare sign of honesty, Vlad said he is willing to accept "negotiations and compromises" when it comes to the war.
But his arrogance quickly shone through again as he sensationally claimed Assad's downfall in Syria isn't a defeat for Russia.
This comes just days after hoards of Russian soldiers were seen fleeing the country - following in Assad's footsteps who sneaked away days earlier.
His address was predictably devoid of any tougher questions - with Assad's whereabouts and his thoughts on the North Korean troops on the frontlines notably absent.
One unusual remark centred around Donald Trump who Vlad seemed to be trying to convince to speak to him in the coming weeks.
Putin said he is happy to talk "anytime" with the president-elect and is ready to discuss ceasefire plans in Ukraine.
A few moments later his lashing tongue reappeared as he threw a punch at America and teased them with his menacing missile arsenal.
The ageing tyrant even offered the US a chance to compare weapons in a bizarre ";missile duel".
The final interesting point from the mega call was around how Vlad seemed to open up about his private life for the first time in years.
He mentioned his “little ones” as a beaming smile appeared across his face.
The comments are a big deal for the Kremlin after months of reports claiming he has two secret sons with a much younger lover.
It could potentially hint towards a changed version of Vlad as a more family friendly leader as he enters the next phase of his presidency.
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