Vladimir Putin to Weaponize Miss Universe with State Support for Russian Candidate

Vladimir Putin is seeking to weaponize the Miss Universe pageant by giving state support to Russian contestant Anna Linnikova.

The model, 22, declined to answer a question about what she will tell Miss Ukraine when they meet for this month's pageant in New Orleans.

In contrast, Ukrainian candidate Viktoria Apanasenko, 28, spoke movingly of the "evil" and "cruelty" inflicted on her country by Putin.

In a heartfelt message, she said, "It's very important to keep talking about the war.

"We must be a reliable rear for our armed forces.

"We need the support of other countries to save the lives of our people and end Russia's cruelty.

"I am aware of my responsibility to be one of Ukraine's ambassadors on the international stage at such a difficult and terrible time.

"But I am Ukrainian - we are brave, strong and determined.

Linnikova confronts Ukrainian beauty, Viktoria Apanasenko, 28, who has spoken of the "evil" and "cruelty" inflicted on her country (

Picture:

@ crystal.viktoria/east2west news)

Apanasenko draped in the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine (

Picture:

@ crystal.viktoria/east2west news)

“However, I believe that together we can defeat the evil that has befallen our lands.”

Surprisingly, in one shot