Vladimir Putin praises female official’s ‘form’ after she gives birth to her seventh child
- Putin praised Russia’s commissioner for children Anna Kuznetsova in Moscow
- She gave birth to her seventh child last child and Putin complimented her ‘form’
- ‘How do you manage to keep such a form?’ Putin asked. ‘May 28 was so recent’
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated the children’s ombudswoman for giving birth to her seventh child last week and complemented on her ‘form’.
The Kremlin’s ombudswoman for children’s rights Anna Kuznetsova confirmed she had given birth to her son on Friday after Putin extended his congratulations.
‘How do you manage to keep such a form?’ Putin asked, smiling. ‘May 28 was so recent.’
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin during a video conference meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence in Moscow today, with winners of the Orders of Parental Glory, an award given to parents of large families
Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Anna Kuznetsova (centre left panel) during a video conference meeting today of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin with winners of the Orders of Parental Glory, an award given to parents of large families
The exchange came just ahead of a meeting to award winners of the Orders of Parental Glory, a prize given to parents of large families.
Under Russian law parent of large families are entitled to a variety of benefits and are sometimes awarded medals.
‘I want to thank you for your conscious decision… in favour of a large, strong family,’ Putin said during the call.
The Russian government has extolled the virtues of large families against the backdrop of a population decline and a general pivot toward ‘traditional’ family values and the Orthodox church.
Appointed in 2016 and reappointed last year for another five-year term, Kuznetsova is married to an Orthodox clergyman and has called for policies limiting abortions in Russia.
She said in a report submitted to Putin last week that clinics performing abortions should receive less state funding than clinics that do not perform the procedure.