Credit: Russia 1 / Pavel Zarubin Vladimir Putin showed off his gym and luxury juicer while discussing his desire to punch everyone on a tour around his private Kremlin apartment. In a documentary aired on Sunday to mark his quarter century in power, the Russian leader provides a first-ever look inside the gilded residence where he reveals he has lived since Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago. Putin is seen making tea for state TV reporter Pavel Zarubin in a small kitchen – where he keeps his £200 Australian-made blender and a £400 Turkish coffee maker – as he offers him Belarusian chocolates and fermented milk.
Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public is also treated to a glimpse of his large private gym and its dozens of weight machines, as well as a large hallway filled with a seemingly endless rack of Putin’s suits. Looking back on his 25 years as Russian leader, the 72-year-old claimed that he doesn’t “feel like some kind of politician” and that he remains close to the concerns of ordinary people. “I continue to breathe the very same air as millions of Russian citizens.
It is very important. God willing that it continues as long as possible. And that it doesn’t disappear,” he said.
During the film, he also mulled over his succession and said he “hopes” he will not have to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether he sometimes gets the urge to punch someone despite his “cold-blooded and reserved” exterior, Putin answered: “Always”, adding: “But I fight it”. Credit: Pavel Zarubin Putin, a former KGB colonel, is the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin, who was in power for 29 years until his death in 1953.
Putin’s private life is highly secretive, and his decision to open his Kremlin home to journalists suggests an eagerness to present himself in a more personal light. As he begins the interview, Putin is seen opening the front door of the apartment to Mr Zarubin, quipping that “Yes, this is the apartment, as you can see it’s not far away.” Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His remark suggests that the location of the apartment is close to the Kremlin itself, the fortified official seat of government in Moscow. Putin and his interviewer then move into a hallway area adorned with chandeliers and gold-framed mirrors, while a large portrait of Russian Emperor Alexander III is prominently placed on a mantelpiece.
Russian leader shows off his hallway decorations with chandeliers and gold-framed mirrors Video shows Putin has a gym built into his accommodation Ironically Alexander III, who ruled in the late 19th-century, was known as the “Peacemaker” in Russia as he fought no major wars. The apartment’s colour scheme is a mix of whites and golds, and is said to contain a library, a small church and two bedrooms, as well as its kitchen. A white piano can also be seen in the footage and, when asked if he plays it, Putin says he rarely has the time to do so.
Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Showing off his fridge at one point, he revealed he was a big fan of kefir, a fermented milk drink that is good for gut health. Vladimir Putin revealed that he is a big fan of the fermented yoghurt drink, Kefir Responding to a question about Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, the Russian leader claimed he was strong enough to finish the three-year war without relying on nuclear weapons. “There has been no need to use those [nuclear] weapons… and I hope they will not be required,” he said.
“We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.” Putin is facing growing criticism from the Trump administration for obstructing US and Ukrainian efforts to strike a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin is celebrating 25 years in power after he emerged as the victor of the March 2024 election, which is widely suspected to have been rigged. Putin secured 87 per cent of the vote.
In the TV interview, he addressed the question of who should replace him as leader of Russia, but only in vague terms. “I think that there should be a person, or rather several people, so that the people have a choice,” he said. It came as the Kremlin announced Putin would be signing a “series of deals” next week with Chinese president Xi Jinping, during a three-day visit to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations.
Moscow’s famous Victory Day parade will be held under tight security on Red Square, with Russian soldiers who took part in the illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 expected to play a prominent role. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
