I Would Drink Tea with Them: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has fond memories of global political figures Helmut Kohl, Jacques Chirac, and Silvio Berlusconi. During a major press conference and a "Direct Line" session, the Russian leader mentioned notable historical figures with whom he would like to share a cup of tea.

According to the Russian president, he learned a lot from Kohl, with whom he met from time to time. Putin considered conversations with Kohl to be beneficial for himself.

France's President Chirac was described by the Russian president as a polite and intelligent person, while the late Italian Prime Minister was noted for his shrewdness in a good sense. All of them were unique personalities with their own opinions, focusing on the statehood of their respective countries. Putin stated that he greatly values his friends.

Currently, he wishes to communicate more often with friends and close ones.