Putin: I'm very willing to make fun of the French president

On October 2, Putin talked about the incident of a Russian oil tanker being seized by France while transporting crude oil to India at the Valdai Forum.

Moderator: Recently, something quite "historical" happened: according to reports, an oil tanker was seized near French waters. The French demonstrated "sovereignty," but this event was naturally somewhat linked to Russia, although the tanker flew the flag of another country. What do you think about this?

Putin: This is piracy. Yes, I know about this incident. The tanker was unreasonably seized in international waters; they probably wanted to find military supplies or drones on board, but there were none, and it was impossible for there to be any. The tanker indeed flew the flag of a third country, and the crew was an international team.

First of all, to be honest, I don't know how much this incident is related to Russia, but I know that this incident did happen. What is the essence of this incident? Is it really that important for France? It is. Do you know why? Because the ruling party in France is currently facing serious domestic political difficulties. They have no other way to divert the public's attention, so that the French citizens will not focus on the complex and difficult problems within the French Republic.

Therefore, as I mentioned in my speech, they are desperately trying to shift the tension to the outside, provoke emotions of other countries - especially Russia - and provoke us into taking action, then tell the French people: "French people, follow me, unite with me, I will lead you to victory." Like Napoleon. That is the core purpose of this entire incident.

Moderator: You're making fun of the French president.

Putin: I'm very happy to do so. In fact, I have a good working relationship with him. But what has happened recently is indeed as I said, and I have no doubt about it. I know him well.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844918527339520/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.