"Russian presidential classmate reveals perceived reason for Putin's habitual dimming of lights"
Preserving Vlad's Ancien Ritual from the Soviet Age
It turns out that Russian President Vladimir Putin's quirky habit of switching off lights in every room he departs from can be traced back to his days in Leningrad's communal apartments, according to Putin's old classmate, Victor Borisenko. This tidbit made headlines after the public release of the documentary film "Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years," in which Putin is seen carrying out this ritual in his Kremlin apartment.
Growing up in a Leningrad communal apartment meant abiding by the strict rules, and turning off the lights as you leave the shared spaces was no exception. Electricity bills were divided among all neighbors, and any careless energy use might cause discontent amongst the residents. Borisenko suggests this could be the reason behind Putin's longstanding practice.
In the film, Putin is shown exiting the kitchen of his Kremlin apartment, proceeding to switch off several lights one by one. This seemingly mundane action is a stark reminder of how childhood routines stick with us over the years.
An interesting sidenote, during the same conversation, Putin offered journalists some Russian-made kefir and ryazhenka from his fridge. The film's release led to a surge in demand for these "presidential" drinks, with Russians rushing to stores to sample them.
It's worth mentioning, however, that there's no solid evidence backing the connection between Putin's childhood in Leningrad's communal apartments and his habit of turning off lights. Putin's formative years were marked by struggles common among families inhabiting such living arrangements during that era, but there's no direct link between his youth and this peculiar habit.
- Despite his role as the Russian president, Vladimir Putin's mundane lifestyle habit of turning off lights in his Kremlin apartment seems to have persisted from his days living in Leningrad's communal apartments, as suggested by his old classmate, Victor Borisenko.
- Understanding the striking contrast, Putin's seemingly trivial act of switching off lights might be a reflex from his past shared living quarters, where electricity costs were divided among residents, and conserving energy was a necessity.
- It's surprising to observe that even the home-and-garden lifestyle of a world leader can be traced back to experiences as simple as shared communal apartments.
- The documentary film "Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years," which showcases Putin's energy conservation habits, has sparked an unexpected interest in personal-growth focused aspects, with Russians purchasing Russian-made kefir and ryazhenka, drinks that Putin is seen offering journalists in the film.
- On the other hand, it's essential to acknowledge that although Putin's upbringing in Leningrad's communal apartments may have shaped various aspects of his adult life, there's no clear cut evidence connecting this living arrangement with his unique habit of turning off lights.
