‘Who’s that Lady in Red Putin is driving?’ President’s arrival at Russian monastery causes media hype

Putin visits relics of St. Sergius and Herman in Valaam Monastery https://t.co/uJaoUdxSAT pic.twitter.com/OqutZHcpxJ

— Ruptly (@Ruptly) July 12, 2017

After he got out of the driver’s seat, Putin – wearing a shirt – is seen heading to a passenger back door. When he opens it, a piece of red material is visible in the passenger’s seat, and a hand promptly waves, pointing a finger in the direction behind the president’s back.

Putin pulls up car, parks, opens door for mystery passenger wearing red who appears to decline to exit before cameras. Putin shuts the door. https://t.co/9lPs6HXykq

— Carl Schreck (@CarlSchreck) July 12, 2017

The footage immediately caused gossip of a possible “woman in a red dress,” who Putin himself is driving around.

Putin arrives at Valaam, driving himself. But who is that in the back seat he goes to let out, who waves him away? https://t.co/4PhECkD3Mb pic.twitter.com/P80YCzj2br

— Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) July 12, 2017

Some social media wags even went as far as to suggest it was Melisandre, or The Red Woman, from “Game of Thrones.” The fictional character from the popular fantasy books and TV series is known for her prophetic powers.

На самом деле Путин просто не хотел палиться, что возит с собой Леди Мелисандру pic.twitter.com/ylJZT5K1XW

— Aнна Велликок (@annavellikok) July 12, 2017

The interest in Putin’s Mercedes passenger has grown to a point where the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, had to comment on the matter.

However, the reality, as always, turned to be quite disappointing.

The passenger in the back seat was a member of Putin’s security staff, Peskov told the Russian media. The president “wanted to take something” from the back of the car, he explained. Apparently, it was a suit jacket, with Putin’s guard having pointed to him that it was already out of the car. Seconds later, the Russian leader greeted Patriarch Kirill with his jacket on.