I Just Want to Apologize: Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to the residents of Harbin during a meeting with students and faculty at the Harbin Polytechnic University in China for the heightened security measures implemented during their visit.

“I just want to apologize to the residents of the city for the quite strict security measures that were taken due to our arrival. I’m not to blame; local partners are working professionally and firmly. I understand that it must be this way. However, this still causes certain inconveniences for the citizens. The press is working here,” said Putin.

He reiterated his apology and assured that the Russian delegation would soon leave Harbin, after which the strict security measures would be lifted. The Russian president, smiling, promised, “Please forgive us, we will leave soon and your life will return to normal.”