Under Siege actor Steven Seagal has baffled internet users by sending a birthday message to Vladimir Putin and describing him as one of the 'greatest world leaders'.
The Russian president celebrated his birthday on Friday, 7 October, just over seven months after he sent his troops over the border into Ukraine and began to devastate the neighbouring country.
Putin refused to give in despite sanctions and condemnations over the following months, and more recently, he announced a partial mobilisation in Russia in a bid to strengthen his efforts in the war, prompting thousands of residents to try and flee the country.
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In spite of this, hear what Seagal had to say about the Russian leader below:
The 70-year-old actor took to his Instagram Story to recognise Putin's birthday, describing it as a 'very important day'.
"Today is President Putin’s birthday," he said. "I just think that we are now living in very, very trying times. He is one of the greatest world leaders and one the greatest presidents in the world."
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Seagal went on to indicate that he hopes for a swift end to the Ukrainian war, but still said that he is 'really hoping and praying' for Putin to get 'the love and the respect that he needs'.
He further expressed his hopes that 'all the tribulations that are going on now will be over soon, and we will be living in a world of peace'.
The comments come after Russia appointed the actor as a special envoy to help improve ties with the US in 2018. At the time, Russia's foreign ministry explained that his responsibility would be to 'facilitate relations between Russia and the United States in the humanitarian field, including cooperation in culture, arts, public and youth exchanges'.
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In August, Russian state media broadcast footage which showed Seagal visiting a destroyed prison in Ukraine after more than 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed.
And earlier this year, Seagal also attended a dinner in Moscow held for his own birthday, which included guests who had been placed on an EU sanctions list in response to the outbreak of war.
At the event, the actor is said to have told guests: “I love all of you and we stand together, through thick and through thin.”
His birthday message for Putin has been met with criticism from Twitter users, some of who have suggested the actor should 'move to Russia' due to his ties with the country.
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If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Topics: Film and TV, Russia, Vladimir Putin, Instagram
Emily Brown