Putin Talks With Some Very Unique Women

Meeting with graduates of the Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots named after Hero of the Soviet Union A.K. Serov.

The Kremlin’s description:

Before the meeting, Vladimir Putin together with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Southern Federal District and Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratiev inspected the training complex. In one of the classes, the head of state was shown the operation of aviation simulators. Explanations were given by the head of the educational institution Anatoly Yudin.

Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots traces its history back to 1938. Currently, it trains flight personnel in five military specialties of higher education for operational-tactical, long-range, military transport and naval aviation. Since September 2017, the school has started training female cadets.

Yes, Putin took the front seat in this simulator

The meeting took place the day prior to International Women’s Day, and whoever arranges Putin’s schedule made an interesting choice. The dozen he met with are quite becoming

Top Guns? Putin also seems somewhat surprised. The chat at 35-minutes is shorter than usual as Putin’s recent events were energy taxing. What follows any Putin biographer will want to read:

Vladimir Putin: To be honest, our meeting is taking place in an unusual format – with female pilots-and, of course, on the eve of March 8.

I want to congratulate you all on the upcoming holiday. A nice spring festival, very kind. I wish you both success in your service and family happiness. I am sure that everything will work out for you, because you are people with character. You act purposefully, go to your goal.

Sergei Kuzhugetovich [Shoigu] told me how the first recruitment was carried out. I don't know if this girl is here or not. One of the future cadets did not manage to do it – so she pitched a tent here, in front of the gate. Such an attitude to life, to the future profession, is really worth a lot. I am sure that with this attitude you will succeed. First.

Second. Women in the profession show results in so many areas, and it is no coincidence, because in addition to general good training, women are characterized by a careful attitude to working out all the details related to the profession. Girls show a very responsible attitude to the task that they are assigned, which they are engaged in. And in general, this makes it possible to achieve good results.

I am sure that there will be results in your case as well. Especially since you graduated from an educational institution that has a lot to do with our country and our Armed Forces. Just remember the period of the Great Patriotic War. Graduates of your school have become the prototypes of many books, works of art, films, and even operas. There are many Heroes of the Soviet Union, Russia, and even some other countries where our pilots took an active part in combat operations. Thousands, precisely thousands, of enemy tanks, planes, and gun crews were destroyed. 20 rams were committed during the [Great Patriotic] War by graduates of your school. This is a heroic school. I am sure that you will continue the wonderful tradition of this flight school.

Of course, for the uninitiated, aviation is primarily the romance of the sky. But you've probably already felt it, that in addition to romance – and here, too, of course, you can't do without it, it's there, it's present. Right now… Katya is your name, right?

E. Battalova: Guards Lieutenant Battalova.

Vladimir Putin: She was piloting right now, and you could hear that she was assembled. A person is in her place: she is happy to do the work that she decided to devote her life to, that you all decided to devote your life to.

What do I mean by that? For sure, there are elements of the romance of the sky, but this requires good professional training, a serious attitude to business. This is a big job: you need to know the technique, be able to manage it – a big, responsible job. I want to wish you all the best.

Even today, our women and young girls are serving in the special military operation zone, and in different directions, and everywhere they serve the Motherland with dignity.

I once again congratulate you on the upcoming holiday and wish you all the best.

If there's anything you'd like to discuss, I'm at your disposal. You are welcome.

Vladimir Kasilovich: Comrade Supreme Commander!

Before asking a question, let me take this opportunity to thank you and the leadership of the Russian Defense Ministry for giving us, ordinary girls, the opportunity to become military pilots of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The year 2023 has become particularly important for us. The most memorable event for us is the graduation from the Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School of pilots. What was the most memorable event in 2023 for you?

Vladimir Putin: You know, my life consists of an infinite number of different events and activities. Sometimes I compare it to a waterfall: you stand under a waterfall and it pours endlessly.

Even when I am near my loved ones, I try not to let on and, on the contrary, pretend that everything is normal, we are having a rest. But I know that in five minutes I have to call so-and-so, in ten minutes I have to call so-and-so, and in half an hour such an event will happen and I have to understand what happened, and if necessary, somehow react to it or correct something. Therefore, this is such a series of events.

But, of course, as well as for the country as a whole, and for me, and for you, I think, all the brightest, most significant things happened on the battlefield – in the zone of a special military operation. Then, of course, there are a lot of issues related to the economy, its maintenance, development, and ensuring the growth rate of the economy. This is the basis on which everything is built, our entire life – both social life and military success-is based on basic indicators in the economy, in the real sector of industry. So everything is mostly there.

The most exciting events are, of course, meetings with our guys or with women, with our girls who serve in the free defense zone, or with their family members. Frankly speaking, I try not to show any emotions, but all the same these events, these meetings have the most vivid emotional coloring. So everything is connected, like you and the vast majority of our citizens, with these events.

E. Fedotova: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief, may I ask you a question? Lieutenant Fedotov.

You have flown and even personally piloted many types of aircraft, and recently flew the Tu-160M strategic missile carrier. Please tell us what impressions did this flight leave you and do you have any plans to develop other modern aircraft?

Vladimir Putin: Just now we were on the simulator with a fellow lieutenant – these are also certain impressions. But I piloted it… You know, I, if so, really piloted only "whatnot", flew together with cranes, if you noticed – remember, it was a few years ago. But this is not a simulator, I really piloted there, it's true.

But even there it was necessary to study, because the sky is a serious matter. Who better than you know about it. We flew low, and I also flew low – about 400 meters. As soon as the wind blows, it immediately shakes. These are not exercise machines, 400 meters is too high. That's where I piloted.

And everything else I flew was on the Su-25 attack aircraft, then on the Su-27 fighter, then on the Tu-160, then on the Be-200, when the fires were extinguished. I didn't pilot anything, of course. Although it was all useful, interesting, it was necessary to understand what it is. You always need to understand what it is, touch it with your hands, then you will be better able to navigate what is happening.

It seems to me that the most difficult service – I think so, I don't want to offend anyone – is with the stormtroopers. Overloads! I just don't understand how the guys control the plane there, because up and down, the blows are applied visually, when they visually observe the target, they decrease sharply, and then rise just as sharply. The overload is so great that only the hands and fingers move effectively. I don't understand how they operate the car.

The only control element, you can say, was on the Su-27, when the commander suggested that I make a "barrel". I did it myself. True, he said: "I pass the control smoothly, no sudden movements are necessary, move the control lever to the right, and we will make a barrel with you." I did it myself, it's true. We turned over calmly, the car is very powerful. But he said so: "The car is powerful, very obedient, controlled, do it calmly." So I did it myself.

On the Tu-160 we flew for five hours, in my opinion, approximately. This was in 2005. It's a delight. Of course, this is also a special experience, especially with an imperceptible transition to supersonic. I don't even hear that click. You can hear it on the ground, but you can't hear it on the plane.

And the last flight [on the Tu-160M] was not planned, because the Minister [of Defense Sergei Shoigu] says: "You can not fly, because we have not yet accepted this car." And the industry says, " We haven't finished yet." But when we came to the enterprise [Kazan Aviation Plant named after S. P. Gorbunov] and examined it, the ship's commander said to me: "Vladimir Vladimirovich, we are ready. We can be in the air in two hours." I suggest you try it." I say, " Okay. But after two hours, I can't. There is a work schedule, protocol meetings. Let's do it tomorrow." He says, " We'll be ready." So we sat down with him and flew.

It was interesting to compare what happened to the car from the time I flew it in 2005. And indeed, a lot has changed – this is practically a new car. The crew told me what's new there-almost everything is new, avionics are all new. The commander suggested that I start the engines, push the buttons, and do something else. It was useful to watch all this.

This modernization was carried out at the initiative of the Minister of Defense. We had different suggestions in this regard. There were suggestions that we are closing this topic, opening a completely new one. But, most likely, there would be a gap in the availability of a combat-ready strategic aviation unit.

I think that we made the right decision, the Minister had the right proposal. We have actually created a new car, there is no such car in the world – a supersonic car that works at such speeds. The strategic aviation vehicle is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. In this way, we have supported our nuclear triad.

Here's another thing. I tried to pilot on the simulator, really, I tried. A fellow lieutenant offered to pilot, and I said, "No, you can do it better." And I tried to pilot a helicopter. I think this is the most difficult part of driving. There is just a millimeter of the handle – the car falls somewhere, flies somewhere, left or right, it is difficult to find the landing point. It seems to me that this is the most difficult thing from piloting aircraft.

Except, of course, what I actually piloted, flying with cranes. There was just a real situation there. This is a simulator, but it is a difficult job, very difficult work, everything is there down to the millimeter. Therefore, the army aviation, which today performs very serious and very necessary tasks on the battlefield, is certainly worthy of the highest appreciation and respect. This is probably my entire aviation history.

But, having felt all this and flown on different aircraft, of course, I can say that this is kind of like a man's job, but nevertheless, of course, it is also available for girls and women. In general, I believe that there are no professions where women cannot work or achieve success. Our girls work everywhere and achieve success. True, there were no women in naval aviation, torpedo-carrying and missile-carrying aircraft yet. Still, this is associated with a special risk, and it seems to me that we should protect the girls.

You are welcome.

Ya. Vasina: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief, may I address you? Lieutenant Vasina.

Russia was and remains a great aviation power. Since the time of Captain Nesterov and Valery Pavlovich Chkalov, military pilots have been glorifying our Motherland with their courage and bravery. But the first steps into the sky are made in the walls of the flight school. As a pilot, I would like to know your opinion on pilot training and the future of training aviation.

Vladimir Putin: It is very difficult for me to recommend anything here. But what I know for sure, and we once discussed this with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, is that we need modern simulators that work effectively. And of course, we need instructors who can do it.

I understand that today we have no problems with the availability of simulators, and if there are, they are solved. In any case, we have everything you need to ensure that they are in stock, and of high quality. I think we have already beaten our competitors in some simulators – they are quite effective.

What do you do now, after graduation?

Ya. Vasina: I serve in the Far East, Khabarovsk, on a Tu-154.

Vladimir Putin: When you were training yourself, what did you think you would need to add in terms of pilot training?

Y. Vasina: Of course, the simulator. I consider it an integral part of training. Without it, you can master it, but with it it would be much easier.

Vladimir Putin: Did you study without a simulator?

Ya. Vasina: I haven't had to fly the Tu-154 simulator yet.

Vladimir Putin: Ah, it is on the Tu-154, of course. I agree. That is, then, Sergey Kuzhugetovich, we need to think about having simulators for all types of aircraft, on which girls and boys will have to continue to work and fight.

Sergei Shoigu: Mr Putin, the Tu-154 is a machine that has not been produced for many years.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, I understand. I mean other cars, too.

Sergei Shoigu: And other cars are absolutely correct. We need to make Tu-214 simulators, which we now have from this class of aircraft. In connection with your decision, the Tu-96 is now being restored-simulators are needed there. Therefore, we have a solution :each batch of aircraft, especially training aircraft, comes in one order with simulators.

Vladimir Putin: Let's do this without fail, we must include it in the state defense order. It is very important. A fellow lieutenant asked me how I was and what I was flying on. You know, it's important, it really matters. Because on one type of aircraft, the pedals move one way, and on other types of aircraft-in a different way, and this little thing can make a difference when piloting. This is really important.

Unfortunately, we also had mistakes that led to tragedies, when crews were transferred from one type of similar aircraft to another similar one, and there the units work a little differently.

Sergei Shoigu: Do you mean the Yak-40, Yak-42?

Vladimir Putin: Yes. So this is the right thing to do. We will definitely pay attention to this. You're right.

Y. Vasina: Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, please.

Dmitry Ignasheva: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief!

You have a very intensive work schedule, including constant long flights. Please tell me, what was your longest flight and how do you manage to keep yourself in such excellent physical shape with such a busy schedule?

Vladimir Putin: As for the physical form, I'll tell you now.

There were a lot of long and long flights, I don't remember now, but we probably flew to Latin America somewhere, to Mexico-such flights, across the ocean. Although you know, sometimes it takes longer to fly from one point of Russia to another than across the ocean. It's a big country, and the sun never sets over it.

I have to spend a lot of time on the plane. There was a moment, I don't remember exactly when, when I got the impression that I was living on a plane. Yes, yes.

As for physical fitness, I always respond uniformly, and there is nothing special about it, I always say: you need to do sports, you need to do sports. And as if I recommend everyone else to do it – and I recommend everyone to go in for sports, this is the way it is.

Moreover, we will even make tax deductions for people who are constantly engaged in sports and pass the TRP standards, if you have noticed. We will treat and help people who take care of their own health accordingly.

Therefore, sports are really the most important means of keeping fit. But, as if it goes without saying, just, frankly, I try not to talk about it, although, probably, it is necessary to talk about it: I practically exclude alcohol. But I certainly try not to drink strong drinks.

A very good procedure – this is important to you as officers – is tempering. Truth. Hot and cold showers or contrast baths are the most effective means of hardening. I remember, you know, when I was still a kid, I lived in Leningrad, we didn't even have a bath in a communal apartment there, but nevertheless I went out into the yard in winter and wiped myself off with snow, I was still a kid.

What do I mean? To the fact that, if there is a desire, you can always find the opportunity to achieve the desired result. And taking care of your health is an important matter: it has not only a personal, but also a state dimension. So I wish you to be healthy, beautiful and successful.

Yes, please.

Yu.Zakalyukina: Lieutenant Zakalyukina.

How would you react if the commander of the crew of the "Bort number one" aircraft was a woman?

Vladimir Putin: First of all, I must tell you frankly that I do not select the crews of the aircraft I fly on – this is done by the relevant management of certain aviation services. But they are all well-deserved people, very experienced, dedicated to their work, highly professional – I have no doubts about that. I've seen this happen several times.

So, by and large, when nominating people for certain positions-not only in the army, but in general, and in the national economy, anywhere – I think we should still be guided not by gender principles, but by business ones. If a person is worthy, if they show results in their work, then in no case should they be held down by the same gender principles: well, women don't need to be nominated somewhere, she has a family, children, she should have her own life. This is the wrong approach.

On the other hand, I think it is wrong when it is absolutely necessary to have such a percentage of women in such and such areas: in government-so many percent, in parliament-so many percent, in local administration – so many percent, in the army-so many percent. It is not by interest that one should judge a person, but by personal and business qualities, by his attitude to business.

Therefore, if there is some choice and a woman shows herself properly when determining for any place, for a position, for moving up the career ladder, of course, there can be no restrictions here.

To.Zhdanova: May I apply?

Vladimir Putin: Please.

To.Zhdanova: Lieutenant Zhdanova.

What wishes would you like to convey on the eve of International Women's Day to women and girls who perform their duties and tasks assigned to them in the special military operation zone?

Vladimir Putin: Get home as soon as possible. I wish them happiness, personal happiness, success-both combat success and success in their personal lives. I say this quite sincerely.

I said that I wish them to return home as soon as possible. But I know something else. This also applies to military personnel and civilians. For example, I will tell you about journalists and war correspondents: I see girls among them, they are directly functioning on the front line, fulfilling their journalistic duty. And I instructed the managers of the main channels to remove them from there. Why endanger women?

What did this lead to? They took a vacation and went there themselves. Moreover, the heads of TV channels told me that they were ready to quit, but they would still go there. The same goes for many other women who perform combat missions there – I just know it, I talked to them. They feel it's their duty to be there: they serve the Motherland, this is their vocation, this is an inner life impulse.

This, by the way, was the case in many of our other historical guises, including, say, during the events in Afghanistan. I have personal examples: I know such people, such women, who believed that they should be there, and that's all. But nevertheless, I want them to return home as soon as possible to their families, to their responsibilities in this area.

But, of course, I am very grateful to all of them for what they do, and for the way they relate to their service, to their work, to serving the Fatherland, and I wish them happiness.

M. Kuzina: Comrade Supreme Commander!

Lieutenant Kuzina.

We are deeply aware of the complexity of the military-political situation and the current historical period. Just like more than 80 years ago, Nazism has reared its head and is trying to rule the world. Let me express our support and deep appreciation to you on behalf of the graduates and all members of the Armed Forces.

Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, You can count on the officer Corps of the Russian Federation. We won't let you down.

Vladimir Putin: I don't doubt it. The Russian Officer Corps has always, and I want to emphasize this, always, at all historical junctures, at all historical stages, demonstrated the highest loyalty to the Motherland, the Fatherland and its duty. Thanks to these qualities of our officers, Russia has always achieved results and always emerged victorious from all the most difficult trials.

But when military personnel say: "We will not let you down, "I hear: "We will not let the Motherland down." And I, as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, want to answer you: "Thank you for your service."

Please, what other questions? Are you all satisfied with your job placement after graduation? Do you have any suggestions or questions? Or is it necessary that the Minister and his superiors do not hear? No? Is everything all right with you?

Remark: Yes, everything is fine.

Vladimir Putin: I would like to wish you every success then. Happy New Year, happy 8th of March!

All the best, all the best.

More insights into Putin provided by some good questions. Simulators need to exactly match the type of aircraft they simulate seems really basic. It’s the hardware not the software that’s the issue. I’ll bet Russia’s not alone with that issue. Russia a meritocracy? It would appear so. Given what we know about Russia’s demographic issue and this year being declared the Year of the Family, does Putin’s answer to return to the hearth as soon as possible to military females imply they have a higher duty to the state? Women can do what men can’t after all.

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