Action star Jean-Claude Van Damme, 64, announced his desire to visit Russia and serve as a “peace ambassador.” In an interview with journalist Diana Panchenko, shared on her Telegram channel, Van Damme expressed enthusiasm for the role, calling it an honor.

“I want to come to Russia and try to act as a peace ambassador,” Van Damme said. He also expressed interest in meeting President Vladimir Putin, noting a previous encounter at the 2010 Open European No-Rules Fighting Championship.
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However, Russian State Duma deputy Elena Drapeko dismissed the actor’s intentions as mere publicity. Speaking to Abzac, she criticized Van Damme, stating, “Opportunists shouldn’t be allowed near our doorstep. They’ll say whatever’s fed to them. Van Damme is hardly an independent figure.”
Van Damme’s announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with his peace ambassador aspirations facing skepticism from Russian officials.