Steven Seagal Calls Putin 'Greatest' Leader at His Inauguration

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday was sworn in for a fifth term, and one of the most high-profile guests at the inauguration was American actor Steven Seagal.

"He's the greatest world leader. He's the greatest," Seagal said of Putin to reporters at the event, adding he's "very looking forward" to the president's next term.

Yuri Ushakov, one of Putin's top advisers, said foreign ambassadors in Moscow had been invited to the inauguration, but the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and all 20 European Union member states declined to send representatives.

Seagal has had a close relationship with Putin for years. In 2018, Moscow appointed the actor, who starred in Hollywood action films like the 1992 hit Under Siege, as a "special representative" on U.S.-Russian humanitarian ties.

Videos of Seagal's appearance at the inauguration have spread across social media, including on the popular X (formerly Twitter) account SprinterFactory.

In one clip, when a reporter asked Seagal what he thinks the future holds for Russia, the actor responded, "With President Putin, it will be the best."

Newsweek reached out to a representative for Seagal on Tuesday via email for comment.

Seagal has steadfastly stood by Putin throughout the Russian president's invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Putin recognized this support in February 2023 by awarding the actor an Order of Friendship medal for his work in supporting Russia.

According to a government announcement, the medal was given to Seagal for his "great contribution to the development of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation."

Weeks after receiving the award, Michigan-born Seagal described himself as "one million percent Russian" during an event in Moscow.

"My father was pure Russian, and I was raised in a pure Russian household, because my mother was completely immersed in the Russian culture and she did not have parents," he said at the event. "I grew up loving Russia and loving all of what I learned about it from a very early age. And for me, I am one million percent Russophile and one million percent Russian."

Seagal wasn't the only celebrity at Tuesday's presidential inauguration at Moscow's Grand Kremlin Palace, as the Russian pop star Shaman, known for patriotic songs like "I'm Russian," was spotted among the attendees.

Also in attendance were top Russian officials, including Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, as well as Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

During his inauguration speech, Putin hit out at Kyiv's Western allies, claiming their "policy of aggression" instigated his war with Ukraine. He also spoke optimistically of Russia.

"We are one great nation," Putin said. "Together we will overcome all obstacles. We will fulfill everything we have planned. Together we will win."