Best Place To Propose In Russia? Journalist Pops The Question During Putin's TV Marathon

Last Updated:December 19, 2025, 22:39 IST

Dressed in a red bow tie and holding a poster reading "I want to get married", journalist Kirill Bazhanov caught the eye of Putin and got his chance.

A journalist proposed to his girlfriend during Putin's end-of-year press conference. (AFP)

Planning the perfect marriage proposal is a dilemma familiar to lovers around the world, whether beneath the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower, on a moonlit beach, or in a cosy restaurant.

However, for Russian journalist Kirill Bazhanov, the ideal moment came halfway through Russian President Vladimir Putin’s marathon end-of-year press conference.

The 23-year-old journalist seized the live broadcast to declare his love and propose to his girlfriend as the Kremlin chief and millions of people around the world watched on, news agency AFP reported.

Dressed in a red bow tie and holding up a poster reading “I want to get married," Bazhanov caught Putin’s attention and got his chance.

He said, “My girlfriend is watching this." Taking a pause, Bazhanov blushed and asked, “Olga, will you marry me? Please marry me…I propose to you."

The audience, excited by the live proposal, burst into a round of applause.

Putin’s annual hours-long television spectacle often blends fiery foreign policy rhetoric with lighter moments, as the president dispenses advice on family life, recites poetry or promises to fix local potholes.

Bazhanov, who went on to ask a question about the rising cost of living in Russia, was made to wait for his answer. He said that he and his fiancée have been together for eight years, but cannot afford children due to high mortgage payments.

Meanwhile, the Russian leader went on with the session until the host interrupted Putin to deliver the happy news. “We are getting breaking news. This is very important for one of us who is here," she said.

“TASS is reporting that the girlfriend of Kirill Bazhanov has agreed to his proposal," she added. Turning to Bazhanov, the journalist informed him, “She will marry you."

The announcement sparked fresh applause from the audience.

Putin welcomed the positive response and clapped along with others. Bazhanov further invited the Kremlin chief to his wedding, saying,"Mr President, we would be so glad to see you at our wedding ceremony."

Putin did not accept the implicit invitation to attend the wedding but offered to help fund it.

“Kirill was just asking about the material conditions for young families. And that’s right — a man should be the breadwinner," Putin said. “Now we’ll pass the hat around and collect at least enough for the wedding," he added, prompting laughter and cheers.

(With inputs from AFP)

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