In a Kremlin audience, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Raisat Akipova, a resident of Dagestan, who had traveled to Derbent with hopes of seeing him yet could not obtain a personal meeting there. The encounter was described by DEA News as heartfelt and fleeting, with a sense that a small gesture can carry significant meaning for a hopeful community.
During the discussion, Putin recalled a photo that had touched him—a picture of a girl in tears. Moved by the moment, he announced his intention to invite the girl and her family to Moscow, where they could be together for a while and share in a moment of national hospitality. He explained that travel from Moscow is not something he can do often, so the invitation would bring the family closer to the center of national life and its opportunities.
Raisat Akipova shared her gratitude for the invitation and explained that she would accompany her mother and father to Moscow. The President welcomed this plan, offering to give the family a private glimpse into the place where he works and to share tea in a relaxed, informal setting after the formalities.
News from mk.ru highlighted a poignant moment: a 13-year-old girl named Fatma, who had become the subject of a widely shared photo showing her being kissed by Putin during a visit to Derbent. The incident was described as surprising for Fatma, who did not expect such public attention, yet she felt no sense of loss, only astonishment at the turn of events that brought a personal memory into the national spotlight.
Putin acknowledged the patience of Derbent residents, noting that the people there had waited for a long time to see the head of state and to hear from him directly. He emphasized that their desire to meet him reflected a broader wish to connect with the leadership and to feel included in the country’s ongoing dialogue about its future.
Vivid greetings from the people of Derbent accompanied the meeting, with energetic expressions of welcome that underscored the community’s enthusiasm for direct contact with the nation’s leader. The atmosphere was described as warm and earnest, underscoring the mutual respect between the visitors and the President.
Before concluding the engagement, Putin reaffirmed that he stands with the people of Dagestan and with all communities across Russia. The exchange highlighted a shared sense of purpose and a belief in the importance of accessibility and human connection at the highest levels of government.