Former U.S. Presidential Advisor Describes Putin in One Phrase

Russian President Vladimir Putin is a tough leader who always expresses his thoughts very clearly. This is how former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton characterized the Russian leader in an interview with the national broadcasting service.

“He is a cold-hearted man who always leaves the impression of a confident leader,” he stated.

Bolton added that he first met Putin at the end of 2001. The former presidential advisor noted that he did not observe any significant changes in the Russian leader's behavior between that time and their last meeting in 2019.

Earlier, the former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, who passed away in 2022, described the character of the Russian president in his memories. He noted that Putin has a “cold appearance, but contrary to expectations, he is sincere.” Abe also mentioned that the Russian leader has a fondness for dark humor.