13.12.2025 11:15
Putin was unable to start his speech for about 34 seconds due to the microphone being off at the International Peace and Security Forum in Ashgabat. His facial expressions during that moment became a trending topic on social media.
Russian President Vladimir Putin experienced a technical glitch while taking the podium to participate in the International Peace and Security Forum. Arriving at the podium to applause, Putin attempted to start his speech, but his voice was not transmitted to the hall due to the microphone being off.
34 SECONDS OF SILENCE
Putin tried to start his speech several times. The leaders and delegations present in the hall noticed that Putin's lips were moving, but no sound was coming out. During the approximately 34 seconds of silence, Putin realized the situation and looked around for help.
THEY JUST WATCHED WHAT HAPPENED
During those moments, 16 heads of state and government, including leaders from NATO countries, silently observed the situation. The lack of any intervention from the hall was notable.
AN OFFICIAL INTERVENED
After a while, an official close to Putin approached the podium and indicated the microphone's power button. After the microphone was turned on, Putin began his speech by briefly saying, "Thank you."
Footage of the incident quickly spread on social media. The videos were shared with numerous comments by users, while the Azerbaijan-based Minval news agency reported that Putin had pressed the wrong button and spoke for about a minute without any sound.