Putin Declares He Does Not Feel Like an Emperor

During a session of the Valdai Discussion Club, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he does not believe he can be compared to Tsar Alexander I and emphasized that he holds an elected position for a limited term.

"No, I do not feel that way. Alexander I was an emperor, while I am a president elected by the people for a specific term — that is a significant difference," Putin said in response to a question.

He also recalled how the Russian emperor forcefully united Europe by defeating Napoleon and referred to the Congress of Vienna as a significant event that determined the new boundaries of European states at that time. At the same time, Putin stressed that history cannot be reversed.