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Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to reporters at the Group of 20 summit in Los Cabos in June 2012. Authoritarian leaders rarely hold news conferences while at home. © Reuters

NAOYA YOSHINO, Nikkei political editor

March 24, 2022 05:47 JST

TOKYO -- Every politician has a unique aura. But of the numerous figures I have reported on over the years, Russian President Vladimir Putin clearly stands out.