Aug 25, 2015 Legendary U.S. boxer Roy Jones Jr. has recently filed for Russian citizenship after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. According to the multiple boxing Champion, he wants to build bridges between Russia and the United States.
President Putin, who is at odds with the West over the Ukraine crisis, responded by saying:
“If you plan to commit a large part of your life to activity in Russia, then we will naturally be pleased and satisfy your request to get a Russian passport, Russian citizenship,”
In an attempt to prove to the world that Russia isn’t facing international isolation over its role in the Ukraine crisis, Moscow has publicized cases of popular Westerners praising Russia.
The United States, along with the European Union, slapped a set of sanctions on Russia for annexing Crimea while blaming Moscow for driving a pro-Russian separatist rebellion that erupted in east Ukraine last year; a charge which Russia has denied vehemently.
During the meeting with President Putin, Roy Jones Jr said:
“I want to ask you about maybe having a passport to go back and forth so that I can do business here because all the people here seem to love Roy Jones Jr., and I love when people love me,”
Putin welcomed the U.S. boxer by saying “nice to meet you” in English and Jones complimented his knowledge of the language. The two went on to discuss sports; given Putin’s famous interest in sports, especially Judo.
American actors Steven Seagal and Mickey Rourke are also among Western celebrities who have socialized with Putin and praised him, as well as Russia, despite the deep chill in diplomatic relations between Moscow and the West.