In a recent episode of a TV show aired by Lithuanian media outlet TV3, a segment featured Russian President Vladimir Putin receiving a puppy from Turkmenistan's president, set against a backdrop of Russian flags. This happened despite Putin's current notoriety as a war criminal, highlighted by the ongoing war activities in Ukraine and the resulting Western isolation of Russia. This juxtaposition sparked outrage among viewers who criticized the tone-deaf nature of the broadcast.

A viewer shared their concerns with the news portal Delfi, pointing out the inappropriateness of featuring Putin in such a light, especially in light of his controversial actions. The report also clarified a mistaken identity regarding the breed of the puppy, which was labeled as an Akita on the show but is actually a Central Asian Shepherd, indicating potential inaccuracies in the portrayal. This detail added to the narrative of misinformation presented during the episode.

TV3 has been known for its commitment to social responsibility and public interest initiatives, making the airing of this segment even more surprising. Despite attempts to reach out to the show's producers for a comment regarding the segment's content and its implications, no official response has been provided. This incident raises questions about media responsibility in portraying global leaders involved in significant controversies.