The portrait of political momentum in Russia has featured notable names joining what many people describe as Vladimir Putin’s team during the current presidential campaign. Among those highlighted are director Nikita Mikhalkov, Artem Zhoga who chairs the People’s Council of the Donetsk People’s Republic, and writer Zakhar Prilepin, all listed as members of the so-called presidential-time alliance. This move has been reported by a major publication, known to readers as News.
The list being circulated also names a number of well-known public figures from the performing arts and sports. It includes singers Nadezhda Babkina, Polina Gagarina, Larisa Dolina, and Stas Mikhailov, as well as prominent athletes such as figure skaters Tatyana Navka and Evgeni Plushenko. According to the broadcast notes accompanying the report, a broad spectrum of famous artists, athletes, and political figures is represented within what is described as Putin’s team. The scope of the list appears to reflect a strategy that aligns celebrity influence with the campaign’s broader public engagement efforts, a pattern that observers have noted in past electoral cycles.
A formal gathering was scheduled for the afternoon of December 16, intended to involve a specified group of voters. Following that meeting, a protocol is planned to be prepared, documenting proceedings and outcomes. The document, once finalized, would be forwarded to the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation for consideration and a decision regarding the registration of this initiative group. The procedural step underscores the formal process involved in recognizing grassroots support as part of election administration.
Earlier, on December 8, after the ceremony in which Gold Star medals were presented to individuals recognized for acts of heroism or service, Putin announced his decision to participate in the elections. Dmitry Peskov, the presidential press secretary, characterized Putin’s decision as a spontaneous response to public calls, describing it as an unexpected moment shaped by public sentiment rather than a long-planned move. This framing by the spokesperson has been noted by observers as an attempt to present the campaign announcement in a manner that resonates with ordinary voters while signaling readiness for a competitive electoral process.
Historically, the Leningrad region had conversations about potential choices for the emblematic “Putin Team” award, reflecting regional interest in recognizing figures associated with the broader leadership narrative. The discussions illustrate how regional perspectives can intersect with national political storytelling, underscoring the layered nature of campaign symbolism and public recognition during a high-stakes electoral period.