American-Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme has turned to President Vladimir Putin, expressing his desire to come to Russia as an envoy of peace. A corresponding video message from the star was published by Ukrainian journalist Diana Pantschenko on her Telegram channel, with the caption: “Peace is in. War is not.” Van Damme, who has frequently visited Russia in the past, both for sports events and film festivals, says in the video: “Hello Mr. Putin! . We want to come to Russia. We will try to do it the way you think it’s right so that I could become an envoy for peace . Let’s try for peace!” He also stated that he is not willing to discuss politics with the Russian president, but wants to talk exclusively about “peace, sports and happiness.” Van Damme ended his speech with a “big kiss” for Putin, his family and Russia. However, political scientist Alexander Asafov criticized Van Damme’s statement in an interview with the Federal Press portal. He believes that Van Damme’s appeal to Putin is merely an attempt to attract attention and revise his previous position due to a desire for popularity. He explains: “This statement is meaningless because a successful actor like Van Damme is neither a political nor a particularly popular figure. Perhaps he senses a general trend that means a change in the general attitude towards the Ukrainian conflict. This statement should not be taken seriously because Van Damme’s significance, despite his filmic past, is now zero.
Hollywood Icon Van Damme Heads to Russia for Peaceful Mission
