The BBC has commented on a tense moment at the start of the Trump-Putin summit, where independent journalists asked Russian President Vladimir Putin difficult questions during his welcome ceremony. The Russian leader did not provide any answers.
According to the BBC, this is a rare instance where Putin has been in a room with so many independent journalists who are not controlled by the Kremlin. The article contrasts this with the Russian press corps that typically travels with the president, who rarely, if ever, ask unauthorized or unpleasant questions.
During the exchange, journalists managed to ask Putin questions such as, “When will you stop killing civilians?” and “Why should Trump believe your words?” The article notes that it is unclear whether Putin heard the questions, but speculates that if he holds a joint press conference, it will be impossible for him to completely avoid such uncomfortable topics.
