As Vladimir Putin embarks on his fifth term as the president of Russia, one Hollywood figure stands by his side: none other than action star Steven Seagal. The 72-year-old actor and martial artist made headlines when he was spotted attending Putin’s inauguration ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow on Tuesday, May 7.
Seagal, who boasts Russian ancestry and citizenship, has maintained a steadfast allegiance to Putin, 71, over the years. From his vocal endorsements to his active involvement in fostering Russo-American relations, Seagal’s ties to the controversial leader have remained unorthodox yet undeniable.
The relationship between Seagal and Russia took a significant turn in 2016 when Putin granted the actor citizenship, a move aimed at bolstering diplomatic ties between Moscow and Washington. Seagal was subsequently entrusted with the task of improving relations between the two nations, a role he has embraced with fervor.
In recognition of his efforts, Putin honored Seagal with Russia’s state Order of Friendship in February 2023, citing his contributions to international humanitarian and cultural endeavors. However, Seagal’s unwavering support for the Russian president has not been without its critics, especially in light of Putin’s contentious reelection and ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The invasion, which began in February 2022, has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with U.S. officials reporting nearly 500,000 casualties among Ukrainian and Russian troops. The conflict has also taken a heavy toll on civilians, with an average of 42 deaths or injuries recorded daily over the past two years, according to Save the Children.
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Putin’s ascent to power has been marked by controversy, stemming from his tenure as a foreign intelligence officer for the Russian spy agency KGB to his eventual transition into politics. Despite facing international scrutiny, Putin has remained a dominant force in Russian politics, solidifying his status as the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin.
While Seagal continues to lend his support to Putin, the actor himself has faced allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct from multiple women, including Portia de Rossi, Julianna Margulies, Jenny McCarthy, and Lisa Guerrero. In 2018, he was accused of rape by an extra who appeared in his film “On Deadly Ground,” allegations that Seagal vehemently denies.
As Seagal’s allegiance to Putin persists amid controversy, the Hollywood icon finds himself at the center of a complex web of politics, power, and personal scrutiny. As the world watches Putin’s fifth term unfold, the implications of his leadership and those who stand by his side remain a topic of intense speculation and debate.
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