Vladimir Putin goes full Gen Z: Russian President learns what 'chill sesh' and 'total cringe' mean - video

Russian President Vladimir Putin tried his hand at Gen Z slang on Thursday while promoting regional development and Asia-Pacific cooperation at the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

The two-day forum, held September 4–5 in Vladivostok, was dominated by discussions of economic growth, infrastructure, and energy ties, but a lighter moment came when Putin toured the city’s new branch of the National Centre “Russia,” a cultural showcase designed to engage young people.


There, Putin listened as a young woman demonstrated how everyday Russian phrases translated into Gen Z lingo. Neutral expressions like “It might be an easy game” were translated into “It’ll be a chill sesh,” while “Guys, this problem is total absurdity” became “Guys, these troubles are total cringe.”


Putin, known for his steely public persona, was caught on video listening attentively, appearing to concentrate as he absorbed the lesson. The clip has since spread online, with many amused by the unusual scene of the Russian leader parsing youth slang.

Beyond the levity, the forum carried serious weight. Putin pushed for accelerating development in Russia’s Far East, highlighting infrastructure projects and deeper energy cooperation with Asia-Pacific nations. He linked the region’s growth to Moscow’s broader pivot toward Asia, reinforced during his recent trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin.