- Category
- Latest news
Journalists Expose Kremlin’s Use of Pre-Taped Putin Footage to Fake Public Activity
- Authors
![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
The Kremlin utilizes a practice of presenting pre-recorded meetings of Russian leader Vladimir Putin as if they were current events.
This finding was established by journalists from the investigative project “Sistema” on November 4.
The investigation confirmed that the Kremlin routinely issues these pre-taped sessions as “fresh” appearances. This footage has been termed “canned footage” because it is often released on days when the Russian leader does not make actual public appearances.
-e32dbbd9f523c857652f8cb2759eb32c.png)
The operational method involves participating officials attending the recording session ahead of time. On the day the video is publicly released, these officials are required to appear at other public engagements wearing the identical attire to simulate a "live broadcast" atmosphere. However, the project noted that inconsistencies prevent the complete illusion of real-time activity.
For example, Svetlana Chupsheva, head of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, was featured in two separate recorded meetings with Putin, released in April and September 2025. On both days the “canned footage” was published, she appeared at external public functions wearing the same clothing.
Several details served to expose this manipulation. Specifically, differences were noted in the earrings worn by Svetlana Chupsheva when comparing the pre-recorded “canned footage” to her actual public appearance on April 9. Furthermore, the arrangement of books in Putin's office was inconsistent across the various recordings. Most telling was a highly specific, unchanging layout of pens and pencils on the desk, observed across meetings that were officially dated as having occurred with a six-week difference.
According to the Center for Strategic Communications, these recurring details demonstrate a pattern where the regime intentionally manufactures the dictator's “activity” to conceal his actual absence from real-time events.
Earlier, it was reported that Russian media outlets are disseminating claims offering foreign journalists access to the Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and Kupiansk. Analysts suggest this move is intended to project an image of Russia as being “humane and peace-loving.”
-29ed98e0f248ee005bb84bfbf7f30adf.jpg)
