Russian President Vladimir Putin is a master of Public Relations. From his decision to release high-profile political prisoner billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky, to his September op-ed in The New York Times which urged the American people to oppose a U.S. initiative for military strikes in Syria, Putin understands the importance of The Fifth Estate.
Vladimir Putin with Shinzo Abe – Courtesy The President’s Press Office
A private telephone call between American diplomats has been posted to the Internet in a discussion surrounding American opinion on the ongoing Ukrainian crisis. The video was posted online, with a transcript of the conversation in Russian, under the banner “Maidan’s puppets” – a reference to the square in capital, Kiev, where pro-EU protests are taking place.
The Obama Administration blamed Russia for the spying, with White House spokesman Jay Carney stating: “I would say that since the video was first noted and tweeted out by the Russian government, I think it says something about Russia’s role.”
While we will never know who really posted the tapes, this revelation allows
claims to be made against America (with Russian spokespersons claiming the US was spending $20 Million a week to help the Ukrainian opposition). World leaders remember the NSA spying scandals – and as Russia used the Edward Snowden affair to claim America was a bully, these tapes once again create do more of the same, and create diplomatic problems for the Obama Administration.
Its clear – like him or not – that Russian President Vladimir Putin is brilliant at public relations.
Ronn Torossian is one of America’s most prolific and respected public relations experts. Torossian is the Founder, President and CEO of 5W Public Relations, one of the 25 largest independent American PR firms, headquartered in New York with an office in Los Angeles.
About Ronn Torossian
Ronn Torossian is the Founder and CEO of 5W Public Relations. He is an experienced leader in the public relations industry with over 20 years of experience. Ronn Torossian has been named as Public Relations executive of the year by the American Business Awards, and has run countless award-winning Public Relations programs.