Putin scolds defence industry minister in televised meeting for ‘fooling around’

Russian leader publicly berated Denis Manturov, eye-rolling and shuffling papers during the live call, as his war in Ukraine caused fresh problems

Vladimir Putin has publicly scolded a senior minister and ally during a meeting broadcast on state television as sanctions from the stalling war in Ukraine caused fresh economic headaches for the Russian president.

Speaking during a live video call with officials on Wednesday, the Russian leader appeared agitated and berated deputy prime minister Denis Manturov, who is also his trade and industry minister and responsible for overseeing Russia's weapons and defence industry and supplies of equipment for troops. Putin criticised him for working too slowly on the country's aircraft contracts, according to a transcript of the call later published by the Kremlin.