George W. Bush (left), Vladimir Putin.Photo: Cliff Hawkins/Getty; SERGEI GUNEYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty
Former PresidentGeorge W. Bushoffered some unique insight into the psyche of Russian PresidentVladimir Putinthis week, relaying an exchange the world leaders once had years ago involving their pets.
Bush, headlining a benefit fundraiser for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center on Tuesday, recounted the story of how he once hosted Putin and introduced him to his Scottish Terrier, Barney.
“I introduced Vladimir Putin to Barney, our Scottish terrier, and [he] dissed him,” Bush told the audience during a Q&A,Politico reports.
Bush continued: “A year later, Laura and I go visit Vladimir and his wife — this was before he decided to be with a gymnast 30 years younger — and he says, ‘I want you to meet my dog.’ I said, ‘Yeah, sure.’ And I’ll never forget, out runs a huge Russian hound,” Bush said. “And Putin says ‘Bigger, stronger, and faster than Barney.’ "
Continuing his story, Bush added that he relayed the anecdote to the Canadian prime minister, who responded: “At least he only showed you his dog.”
The Bush’s dog, Barney, was a loyal friend to the familyuntil his death in 2013, at which time the former president said the terrier “never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend.”
“In [his] view, the demise of the Soviet Union is bad for the Russian people, so we’re watching him try to reinstate Soviet hegemony,” Bush said, perPolitico. “He picks weak people to do that. He thought Ukraine was weak, but it’s not. Ukraine is showing a backbone and a spine that this world sorely needs to see.”
The invasion has drawn widespread condemnation around the world and increasingly severe economic sanctions against Russia.
Various countries have also pledged aid or military support to Ukraine, whose president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has pleaded for peace talks while urging his country to resist.
“The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine,” President Joe Biden said as the invasion began in force last week.
source: people.com
