Russian President Vladimir Putin | Alexy Nikolsky/Sputnik via Getty Images Vladimir Putin questions need for online subterfuge The Russian president asked why people feel the need to hide behind pseudonyms online.

Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned the need for people to use pseudonyms online in a conversation with school children in which he revealed he used the alias "Platov" while training as a KGB agent.

Russia is under scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe for alleged clandestine attempts to interfere in elections. But speaking on a live Russian TV show, Putin implied there was no need for individuals to use online subterfuge.

"Why hide behind pseudonyms [online]?", he said. "When I studied at the intelligence school, my pseudonym was 'Platov'. Everyone had pseudonyms, because that line of work involves a certain degree of conspiracy. Why do so here? Why hide?"

While Putin did not say where the name came from, he might have picked it up from General Matvei Platov, who fought against Crimean Tatars in Chechnya and Dagestan. Putin has been active in the same areas, first organizing attacks against separatists in Chechnya and Dagestan. In 2014 he invaded and annexed Crimea, part of Ukraine.

The Russian leader said he did not use the internet himself. “I personally practically don’t use this,” he said, adding that staff went online for him. When asked about Instagram and social media he replied. “My hard working day finishes so late, I’m not up to Instagram.”

According to a transcript published on the Kremlin's website, Putin also said that he not decided yet whether or not he will run again for presidency for the fourth time. "In 2018, as you know, an election will be held. There is still time before the election campaign, so we will see," Putin said. "I have not made a decision yet, I will think about it."

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