When I finish talking to Johnny London, a pensioner called Viktor walks up. He’s recognised me. He saw me on TV last year at a press conference with Vladimir Putin.
“You asked Putin a question, didn’t you?” Viktor says. “You’re with the BBC.”
Viktor’s a big fan. Not of the BBC, but of President Putin. He criticises my “provocative question” to the Kremlin leader on the war in Ukraine, he defends Russia’s political system and takes aim at the Biden administration over the 2016 US presidential election.
“With the help of mail-in ballots Biden practically stole the election from Trump,” Viktor says.
“That’s what Trump says,” I point out.
“Not only. Putin says it too,” retorts Viktor.
“Putin saying it doesn’t make it fact,” I suggest.
“True,” concedes Viktor. “But that’s what our people think.”
Viktor also thinks that the West is losing power and influence.
“Look what’s happening,” says Viktor. “This week in China the leaders of India, China and Russia got together, and with many other countries too. But there was no Trump, no Britain, no Germany, no France. India and China alone are three billion people.”
On his way back from China Vladimir Putin is stopping off in Vladivostok. Should I get the opportunity to ask the president another question, Viktor suggests it should be about the “new world order”.
The city has been preparing for the Kremlin leader’s visit and participation in the Eastern Economic Forum. By the side of the road that leads to the venue, street artist Filipp Dulmachenko has used 1,800 cans of aerosol paint to create a most unusual image.
The gigantic mural depicts Vladimir Putin in military fatigues hugging a Siberian tiger.