The scene: The posh New Century Club in Moscow in 2011 as Vladimir Putin is set to retake his position as President of Russia after a short hiatus serving as Prime Minister.
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The crowd consisting of members of the Valdai Club (a club promoting Russian causes in intellectual circles) as well distinguished academics and journalists are eating an extremely decadent meal as Putin rises to speak.
After laying out some of his hopes for his new reign he turns his attention to the U.S. and the Americans in the audience, saying:
“You ask me whether we are going to change? The ball is in your court. Will you change?”
Following this came the most telling of all statements regarding Putin’s feeling toward the U.S. The soon-to-be-President said that the only reason the U.S. fears Russia could “destroy America in half an hour or less.“
It’s doubtful that Russia in fact has that ability, but the fact Putin thinks it is concerning enough!
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From Business Insider:
In December 2011, Vladimir Putin, then Russia’s prime minister, was positioned to reclaim his role as Russia’s president in the March 2012 elections.
Fittingly, Putin hosted a lavish banquet at New Century, Moscow’s richest equestrian club, for members of the Valdai Club and distinguished academics and journalists from around the world.
“The fare was extravagant: smoked trout, duck liver, venison soup, rhubarb sorbet, veal cheeks, and pear soup with caramel,” according to authors of the “The Russia-China Axis,” Douglas E. Schoen and Melik Kaylan.
Will the U.S. one day go to war with Russia? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
