As Putin Leaves China Empty-Handed, Russian Propaganda Hails ‘Triumph Over the West’
Russian state media has painted President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China this week as a symbolic triumph over the West by the Russian leader who they say enjoys global prestige and respect despite attempts to isolate him.
This coverage was a strategic effort to rally the Russian public behind him, independent experts, a political consultant and a Kremlin official told The Moscow Times.
In reality, the Russian leader — increasingly reliant on Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping — returns from Beijing without the major energy or agriculture deals that he’d hoped for.
“Speaking at the forum and meeting Xi is an important reminder to Russians of Putin’s status as a world-class leader. TV channels have been instructed to air coverage of the chief’s trip in this light,” the Kremlin official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press, told The Moscow Times.
Watch:
