Russia appears to have missed the memo that it is no longer 1991 in Hollywood. For years, the government has promoted Steven Seagal, a former action “star” and well-known predator, as the poster guy for a warmer, gentler relationship between the US and Russia. The actor from Under Siege was granted Russian citizenship in late 2016. Seagal was nominated a special envoy to the United States by Russia in 2018. The 69-year-old Lansing, Michigan native has now been requested to join A Just Russia – Patriots – For Truth, a pro-Vladimir Putin organization with a lot of awkwardly spaced dashes, according to The Wrap.
The club published a video of Seagal getting inducted into its ranks on Saturday, complete with his signature glasses. The group, which was formed earlier this year, is made up of three previously existing pro-Putin political parties.
Seagal, apparently moved by the invitation to join his fellow Putin figures, said a few words to commemorate the occasion, largely about how he wants to arrest more people involved in enterprises that harm Russia’s beautiful ecology.
“Without being able to arrest people, when we just fine them, they are probably making more money of the production of the things that are defiling the environment,” Seagal said.
Of course, the dude knows what he’s talking about. Seagal, who has lauded Putin as “one of the great living world leaders,” has worked in police enforcement in addition to his “acting” profession. Seagal served as a reserve deputy chief in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and though the post was primarily ceremonial, it served as the inspiration for Steven Seagal: Lawman, the A&E reality show that no one wanted. None of this provides Seagal the authority to detain anyone in Russia—companies, individuals, or otherwise… However, no one knows what appointment Seagal will get next.
