Here’s a “news story” that was shown on one of Russia’s official Kremlin-owned and -controlled television channels during Vladimir Putin’s recent motoring holiday across one of the few parts of Siberia where there are actually passable roads. The person who posted this segment to YouTube has given it the title “Reality show – Putinomobile”. While a cameraman and a soundman crowd into the back of the compact car, Putin patiently explains all kinds of manly things about automobiles to a giggly “gal reporter”. For example, that his Lada Kalina is an ordinary stock model straight off the assembly line without any modifications (except for all the miniature TV cameras of course), and that it really hugs the road well, which, according to the knowledgeable prime minister, is a good thing.

Astute viewers may notice that there are no other cars on the road during the entire segment. To see why, watch this clip here (unfortunately I cannot embed).