Vladimir Putin Publicly Humiliates His Deputy PM For Russia's Failing War Efforts: Report

Russian leader Vladimir Putin reprimanded his deputy prime minister during a public video conference on Wednesday over his failure to secure contracts on time. In a video released by the state-owned news agency RIA, Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov was given a rather humiliating dressing-down by Putin who asked him why he was “fooling around” instead of making use of his time in procuring contracts for new planes. Manturov appeared shaken after a furious Putin blasted him during the government’s first video meeting of the year and demanded that he speed up the processing of contracts.

Business Insider said Manturov, who is also Russia’s minister for trade and industry - was tasked with responsibilities involving the country’s defense industry in July of last year. At the time, he had maintained Putin’s favor as he was seen alongside the president on his various trips. However, as the Russian military demanded more military equipment in its offensive on Ukraine, the sanctions imposed on the country made Manturov’s role even more challenging.

Manturov was ordered to set up contracts with state airline Aeroflot amounting to 175 roubles ($2.56 billion). However, Putin angrily pointed out how none of those contracts were ready. He accused him of “fooling around” after the deputy PM had gone off on a holiday to Turkey over the New Year celebrations.

Putin’s rant can be seen on video as he told off Manturov, “There are no contracts. What are you going to tell me?" The Russian president then adds, “I know there are no contracts at the companies, the directors told me. Why are you really fooling around?”

Putin gave his deputy PM one month to iron out his mess as this had caused a shortage of military planes for Russia’s airforce. It also led to the failure to supply new aircraft to civilian companies that were affected by the sanctions imposed by the West. Manturov responded by merely bowing his head. At the same time, Putin gave his military command structure a shakedown. His war commander General Sergei Surovikin was made deputy to the chief of Russia’s General staff, General Valery Gerasimov. Gerasimov is now the overall commander and in control of the armed forces in Russia’s Ukrainian campaign.