Russian President Vladimir Putin faced humiliation on Thursday during his annual end-of-year press conference as messages urging him to resign were prominently displayed on screens, alongside inquiries questioning the "reality" of his perception of his own country.

Speaking in Moscow, the Russian leader took questions from ordinary citizens and journalists, who phoned in their queries, as the Daily Mail reported.

Unfiltered Public Sentiments Displayed

For the past two weeks, citizens have been submitting questions for Putin, with state media reporting that as of Wednesday, approximately 2 million questions had been sent in.

These messages, to which Putin did not directly respond, were visible to all and revealed a stark contrast to the usual choreography of such events.

Among the messages were blunt calls for Putin to not seek re-election and to allow younger leaders to take his place.

Others highlighted the disconnect between the government's portrayal of Russia and the lived experiences of its citizens, with questions like, "Why is your 'reality' at odds with our lived reality?" and inquiries about when the "real Russia" would match the version broadcasted on state television.

Economic Concerns and Domestic Issues

The economic challenges facing Russians were a prominent theme in the questions displayed. One message pointed out the soaring cost of basic food items like cucumbers and tomatoes, lamenting the expense of making a simple salad.

Other messages focused on the rising costs of gas and the corruption within Gazprom, Russia's state-owned energy company.

Questions about gas availability in various regions, like Khakassia in south Siberia, and inquiries about the dramatic increase in LPG prices emphasized the public's growing concern over domestic economic issues.

Putin's Response and Stance on Ukraine

Despite the surprising nature of these public queries, Putin appeared unfazed and chose not to address them directly.

Instead, he focused on discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He reiterated Moscow's objectives of "de-Nazification, de-militarisation, and a neutral status" for Ukraine, goals which he had outlined at the start of the invasion in Feb. 2022.

Putin's claims of "de-Nazification" have been widely dismissed by Ukraine and Western nations.

He also emphasized Russia's demand for Ukraine's neutrality, specifically regarding NATO membership, stating that peace would come when these objectives are met.

Military and Domestic Issues

Putin provided some details about Russia's military operation in Ukraine, mentioning that about 244,000 troops are currently engaged in the conflict.

He dismissed the need for a second wave of mobilization of reservists, citing the recruitment of 1,500 men into the Russian army daily. The total number of troops in Ukraine, which includes professional Russian military forces, was not disclosed.

Putin's Outreach and Interaction

In past years, Putin has been known to engage with citizens' concerns during such events directly. For instance, in 2021, he called a citizen inquiring about water quality in Pskov, western Russia, and promised government action.

This year's conference, however, marked a shift, with Putin primarily addressing a domestic audience and aiming to reaffirm his leadership ahead of the upcoming Mar. 17 election.