I found this on raintv.ru
You can go right to the source page if you speak Russian and want to view the video (hardly worthwhile since it's only a short 1:40 portion of a 20 minute interview) otherwise you need to plow through a Google translation of that page or my cleaned up version provided below. Warning: the videos auto play on the above site!
STEVEN SEAGAL ON RUSSIA: "THE PEOPLE HERE LIVE REALLY WELL AND IT IS THE MERIT OF PUTIN"
March 28, 2013
American actor Steven Seagal told Ksenia Sobchak of his love for the Russian president and admired the way he was able to so quickly improve the lives of Russians, most recently when "there was no money and no food."
Sobchak: Nice to meet you.
Seagal: Hello.
Sobchak: I know that you have repeatedly been to Russia and now you're back here. Tell us what you liked in our country. Why do you come here so often?
Seagal: I love Russia. I love the country itself and your people. I love your nature, I would really like to travel Russia. For example say Siberia - the last truly wild region in the world.
Sobchak: And you were there?
Seagal: No, never. But this is one of those places where I really wanted to go. I have Russian blood, my grandmother came from Vladivostok. I have roots in St. Petersburg, one of my ancestors was born in the Ukraine which I think is part of Russia. Well, she was once part of Russia right? So I'm Russian, I love Russia, I love the Russian people and I like your president. I really like that it has a lot of support in the development of martial arts in Russia. He did a lot for the development of sport in this country, that children had the opportunity to participate in the martial arts with the best coaches. Also it seems to me very important the support that is provided to the Olympic movement in Russia. The Russians had great success in judo at the Olympics. I also admire him as a person, as a great leader of the state. I was in Russia when there was no food, money, and ordinary people have suffered and died.
Sobchak: When was it?
Seagal: The exact year I do not remember. Most likely this was back in 1990, the year 1990 or 1991 or the end of the 1980s. I saw how Russia was destroyed and I saw Vladimir Putin take a country that was just in catastrophic condition and made her a country with the greatest economy in the world where there is virtually no unemployment. I must say that the Russian is a thriving nation, the people here really live good. And it is an achievement of Putin. Any head of state is very difficult to achieve such performance, that's why I love Russia.
Sobchak: You are talking about our president and why you respect him. But many of the media both in Europe and in the U.S., it is critical to speak about his actions. What do you think, why the Western media criticize Vladimir Putin?
Seagal: It is very awkward for me to answer this question, I'm afraid to appear in a bad light. But I think that the criticism against Putin is not based on the judgment of the people but on the fact that he simply refuses to play by the rules of other states. Nobody will force him to do it. I think of him so often speak in negative terms.
Sobchak: Many Westerners aren't interested in what is happening in Russia, do not know anything about our policy and just did not know anything about our country to the so-called case Pussy Riot. What do you think about this case and how to evaluate the actions of many international stars such as Madonna who came to Russia and advocated freedom for Pussy Riot?
Seagal: Unfortunately I know little about the case. I know that they broke into the church during the ceremony and began to interfere with the rite. Their actions could be evaluated by believers as extremely disrespectful. Then they were arrested. The same thing would happen to them in any other country. And some would shoot them right on the spot. But in America they would be immediately arrested. Do I think that their arrest is something horrible? No. Do I think that's what made these girls, is it cool? Either. I heard that they were filming Clips with a pregnant woman and distributed them on the Internet. Of course I recognize that there is such a thing as a free society but there is a limit. And there must be a limit as to how people express their position in the media. I think they have crossed all the boundaries of ethics and morality.
Sobchak: Six months ago, a Hollywood star paid a visit to Kadyrov.
Seagal: Kadyrov?
Sobchak: You know him?
Seagal: Kind of.
Sobchak: This is the same man. So. You understand that when you come to Russia and so positively characterize our President you can get into some opposition, be faced with criticism from the West?
Seagal: Of course, in America there are certain groups of people who understand what it means to be a warrior which means martial arts. That's one of the reasons that I and my fellow athletes came here. These people are very much the case, make sport accessible to children. So I'm not here because of politics, and politics - it's not what I want to do. My most political act is to participate in your program and answer your policy questions. But of course I cannot be a politician. I am someone who tries to be a simple guy and one who tries to enjoy the things in which he believes. Trying to make the world a little better and bring people together. From my point of view Russia and America should live and work together. These are two great countries, they need to enjoy cooperation in culture and scientific technology.
Sobchak: What do you think, where life is better in Russia or America?
Seagal: It's two completely different ways of life but I love my home and my country. I also like my brothers and sisters in Russia. However, I do not like winter. Where I live now is +30 degrees and it is snowing here. Of course in any country there are advantages and disadvantages.
Sobchak: You said that you do not want to engage in political conversations and I understand you because that's not what you do, this is not politics. But in Russia there is a situation that every celebrity who comes to us as a guest of Putin is involved in politics. For example, Mr. Gerard Depardieu. Maybe you know that he recently received Russian citizenship? He is a good friend, not only of Russia but Putin. Russian society is divided: one group thinks it's good PR for Russia, the other criticizes Depardieu. What do you think about it?
Seagal: First of all, when the stars travel the globe to Russia, it is a good thing for the country. It's good PR. Secondly, I do not know about Gerard Depardieu. I do not know anything about his friendship with your president, I've heard that the tax in France is 75%. Is that so?
Sobchak: Yes, they are going to enact such a law.
Seagal: Well, can I swear on this program, or will you cut it then?
Sobchak: Sure, please.
Seagal: So who the x ... will withstand such a tax? 75%! Who is this bear? Who will be able to survive in such hands, and even his family eat? True, I can not blame the guy. Let's be honest. What happens in the so-called "first world", where the economy is booming. They choose themselves a government, and that they need to understand that much of what they say is a lie. No one in America has never said about this guy, what a piece of shit he is and that he was wrong because he betrayed his country and made it just for the money. But the fact is that if it's true to remove 75% through tax, he is simply not going to survive and not be able to feed his children. And personally I will do everything in order to feed their children.
Sobchak: What tax do you pay?
Seagal: I think it is 40-something percent.
Sobchak: And this is true?
Seagal: I think that it is at least possible to do. I have no complaints about America. I repeat, I do not know the guy Gerard but I think that with him it was not fair, and I think I did that with him, because I hate it there, and hate what he is doing. It was just an excuse to get him to leave.
Sobchak: Russia remembers Gerard Depardieu, you and many other artists from the beginning of the 1990s. Then we only have to buy VCRs, walk-in video salon and watch movies with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steven Seagal and other stars of the time. Many people think that you are using their popularity in Russia in order to get something for myself.
Seagal: What did I get?
Sobchak: No, no, I do not think so, but many people think that this is the case, that you come here to get something on the remains of its former glory. What do you think, why do people think that?
Seagal: I do not know, it's the first time I've heard about it. I'm popular in Russia but there are those who are just jealous of me. Everywhere I went in the world I always try to do some business or other. I am a normal person, I also have to feed a family.
Sobchak: Yeah, but listen, now sits at the screen and saw some Russian Steven Seagal, who is very wealthy man for his films. It is a successful and well-known man, who lives in America, he has seven children. And what the hell he had forgotten here in Russia?
Seagal: I would like to stress once again that I love Russia. Some people love Africa, some - Mexico, some like purple.
Sobchak: And you love the exotic, you mean?
Seagal: I just like Russia, and I'm not afraid to talk about it. There are other countries that I like. I love Japan. I do not need to be ashamed of it. In Japan however they will not say: "He came here because he has something to gain." People who say this are just idiots. I do know the Russian word but I will not say it now. Idiots.
Sobchak: Another question. In Russia, many are discussing your open letter to Vladimir Putin. It is devoted to the project in 2045. Could you explain to our audience what kind of project, and why you are interested in it?
Seagal: It's a project that will help people and allow them to live longer, to help veterans.
Sobchak: I'm sorry, you could not have two words to describe this project? Not everyone understands what it is.
Seagal: I like it and tried to do just that. The project, which supports the idea that cloning and robotics can help people cope with disease, injury, help people who are disabled. With the technology their damaged organs can be restored. This will alleviate the suffering of people affected in different accidents. And I think that's a wonderful project, which I am pleased to support it. I was also told that a group of Russian scientists are interested in this project. It would be good to enlist their support.
Sobchak: And you've got some support after the written letter?
Seagal: I think that in the Russian government, many are interested in this project, at the same time, many fear that this project is too long, should take a long time before something becomes a reality.
Sobchak: Why is cloning prohibited in many countries, and the very topic of cloning is so controversial?
Seagal: I think that this is a problem of science in general, people are careful, they hold moral principles, but at the same time, there are inventions that can reduce the suffering of humanity, and there is the fear that the new opening to shake the moral and ethical principles. I always have.
Sobchak: I know you're a Buddhist. Is not this contrary to your religious beliefs.
Seagal: I do not think so. So many people are broadcasting that there are natural and what is not. But there are those who think that the ideas of humanity can change our lives and make it better. If there is something that can help cure the injury, get rid of the disease, it should be developed. I think it's Buddhist.
Sobchak: Speaking of Buddhism. I know that you have met several times with Mr. Ilyumzhinov. And as far as I know, these meetings have been associated with your religious beliefs. You could not give some details about these meetings?
Seagal: Kalmykia - a country where almost 100% of the population practices Buddhism. It would be very interesting to visit this place. Besides Ilyumzhinov - my good friend. That would be great, like it, take a walk, to see how people live. Kalmykia is very similar to Mongolia, and perhaps people of Kalmykia - the same Mongols. This is a wonderful country.
Sobchak: Another topic that was widely covered by Russian media ...
Seagal: Look, I know a lot here you have ...
Sobchak: I'll tell you a lot. So in the federal TV channels said that Mr. Rogozin asked you to lobby the Russian arms abroad. Will you do that? If so, how can you help Russia in this complex case?
Seagal: I have not studied the matter closely. But I'm sure there must be the necessary conditions for trade between the two countries. Both in Russia and in America there is a major arms manufacturers, and they need to communicate with each other. I hope that I can help with that and get to the essence of the law, because I heard that it is quite confusing, but I hope I can be helpful in this regard.
Sobchak: Why Mr. Rogozin called upon you to make such a request? For many it seemed strange. You're an actor, and what relationship do you have for the Russian arms? Something is not clear to be honest.
Seagal: In addition, I am also a police officer. I work with various government agencies, I know a lot of important people from the area of defense. I am well versed in the arms, so I think it was quite logical request.
Sobchak: And what are you still talking with Mr. Rogozin? Maybe not yet know.
Seagal: I do not remember.
Sobchak: So it was a secret conversation?
Seagal: Well, sort of.
Sobchak: Lobbying and other areas?
Seagal: No lobbying it was not.
Sobchak: Lobbying ... That in itself is nothing wrong, then and there, but oh well. Another question: why did you come so often?
Seagal: We are almost behind schedule, dear.
Sobchak: Yeah, I know, but we have five more minutes.
Seagal: It looks like it will be the longest interview of my life.
Sobchak: Okay, five more minutes and we're done.
Seagal: You sure? Well, okay.
Sobchak: You said that you are coming for a long time, back in 1991 you were here.
Seagal: Yes, but I also said that I can not remember the year. Numbers and time are not my strong point. In any case, it was a long time ago.
Sobchak: I know you have many times been in Russia. So which of the Russians, perhaps, from the world of cinema, you could call your friends? Have you had any acquaintances here, which later grew into a friendship?
Seagal: Yes, I have many friends here.
Sobchak: Can you name the names?
Seagal: Sergey Dronov ... No, well, the truth. I have many friends in Russia. There are friends of the special forces, from the government, there is the world of art, there are bankers. It's just people from different walks of life.
Sobchak: And what do you know about Russia today? About the actors? Maybe you saw some of our films?
Seagal: Yes, I looked, but mostly old movies. But I really hope that I will be able to shoot here. I'm sure it will be memorable.
Sobchak: So you're going to work with Russian actors?
Seagal: Yes, though with many.
Sobchak: And you say, with whom?
Seagal: I have not discussed it directly with the actors, I was discussing this with various filmmakers.
Sobchak: And with whom, for example?
Seagal: I see you like to ask this question.
Sobchak: Of course, people want names. They want to know who will be working with Steven Seagal.
Seagel: Well, for example, I planned a great conversation with Mikhalkov.
Sobchak: Have you met him?
Seagal: Yes, he's my friend. And I'm looking Russian directors, however, not only Russian. We're going to shoot a film here.
Sobchak: So you will make a film with director Mikhalkov?
Seagal: No, I have a different plan, but it can help with Producing.
Sobchak: You can say that soon we will see a Russian film with Seagal?
Seagal: I'm not sure it can be called Russian. They will deal with the Russian production company, he will be shot here will be a joint venture between Russia and America. It would be cool.
Sobchak: What is your favorite Russian film? You said something looked.
Seagal: Honestly, there is a Japanese film, with director Kurosawa. It was shot in Russia, this probably is my favorite movie.
Sobchak: Well, I wish you good luck, I hope that we'll meet again. And perhaps, after Depardieu you too will become a Russian citizen. I have a present for you. This is a book.
Seagal: I have to open it?
Sobchak: This is a well-known person, the actor Alexander Nevsky. I'm not sure you know who he is. He is accused that he too often goes to Hollywood to make a fitness program for movie stars, then to PR at the expense of Russia. Perhaps you ever meet you can together make a fitness club in Russia or in America.
A couple of interesting people these two. One a rather pampered socialite and the other a, shall we say, self-confident promoter of self?
You can follow the links at the top of the thread to view the Wiki pages for Sobchak & Seagal but there is so much that is not there.
Ksenia Sobchak for instance. It is entirely possible that her father Anatoly Sobchak was assassinated on the orders of Putin himself. Check out page 184/5 of Masha Gessen's book "The Man Without A Face" which will point you towards Arkady Vaksberg's book "Le laboratoire des poisons : De Lénine à Poutine (The Poison Laboratory From Lenin To Putin)." Assuming that there is any truth to this then Sobchaks recent behaviour flirting with the opposition forces and rather publicly pissing on Putin's parade shows a remarkable lack of situational awareness!
Then there is Seagal's Mafia troubles which while from 2002 still haunt him and those who wrote about it. His supposed involvement in the Shah of Irans security arrangements when he fled the country. Still as befits a senior member of the rich and famous he is very polished in his attempts to avoid some of the interviewers questions. Tirelessly shining his own knob. I've sort of admired his ability to re-invent himself which rivals Madonna's but this Putin love is a bit hard to stomach. I should have sensed it coming after his bromance with Sheriff Arpio but it's still quite disappointing. Them being what passes nowadays as warriors and all.
