In a rare public discourse, Maria Vorontsova, Russian President Vladimir Putin's daughter, recently broke her silence in an interview with Medtech.Moscow, a non-profit organization. As an endocrinologist, Vorontsova's conversation, which was held on December 16, 2022, primarily focused on advancements in medicine and her personal interests in arts and literature.
Despite being significantly publicized on the Russian social network Vkontakte, the interview has attracted modest attention, with less than 10,000 views on YouTube.
Vorontsova's comments during the interview, particularly about Russia being a "human-centric society" with a high regard for the "value of human life," have sparked criticism and skepticism, especially in light of Russia's ongoing military involvement in Ukraine.
On social media platforms like X, formerly Twitter, users have pointed out the seeming contradiction between her statements and the reality of the conflict. For instance, BBC journalist Francis Scarr remarked, "I wonder if those swept up in her father's 'partial mobilisation' and sent to the likes of Bakhmut or Maryinka would agree."
The United States has estimated that Russia has suffered significant military casualties since the onset of the conflict, losing 87 percent of its pre-war troops. This statistic starkly contrasts with Vorontsova's portrayal of Russia as valuing human life.
Vorontsova, along with her sister Katerina Tikhonova, has maintained a low public profile, with their personal lives closely guarded by the Kremlin. Neither Vorontsova nor her association with Putin was mentioned during the interview, reflecting the discretion surrounding her identity and familial connections.
The interview primarily served as a platform for Vorontsova to discuss her professional interests and personal hobbies. She stated, "For us, the value of human life is a supreme value." Her remarks have since been met with criticism, considering the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has resulted in extensive human suffering and casualties on both sides.
