Reporters ask world leaders questions all the time. No big deal. Right? But what's it like putting a question to Vladimir Putin - the president who ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine? Imagine asking that question live on TV while millions of Russians are watching. It's a big responsibility. You don't want to mess up.

My question is about Russia's future. What kind of future are you planning for your country and your people? I ask President Putin. Will the future be like the present, with any public objection to the official line punishable by law? Will the hunt for enemies at home and abroad be accelerated? Will mobile internet outages become even more common? Will there be new 'special military operations'?

While I'm speaking, Putin is taking notes. He defends Russia's repressive foreign agent law, justifying it by claiming similar laws exist in the West. Despite the harsh implementation of this law in Russia, I'm unable to challenge him as the microphone is taken away.

Abruptly, the moderator changes the topic to a question about the BBC, and Putin agrees with President Trump regarding a lawsuit against the broadcaster. Yet he returns to my question stating, There won't be new special military operations if you treat us with respect.

Putin expresses resentment towards the West, alleging long-standing deceit and disrespect. Despite his remarks about readiness for cooperation and peace, European leaders remain doubtful due to past aggressions, making the prospect of genuine dialogue uncertain.