Kathrine Frich
Entrepreneurs face heavy skepticism in the region.
Celebrities often seek new audiences when fame fades at home.
One action star found a welcoming embrace across the world by praising a controversial regime.
Now that honeymoon phase is crashing down.
A fading hero
For years, Steven Seagal loudly championed the Kremlin. Vladimir Putin rewarded the American actor with Russian citizenship in 2016.
The actor received a major state medal in 2024 and called the Russian president “one of the greatest world leaders.”
A Polish woman living in Moscow told Onet that her Russian friends once viewed the martial artist as a rebel. People called him “a wise and courageous man” for rejecting Western narratives.
Following the money
Over time, that warm public admiration slowly transformed into a deep, lingering suspicion. When Seagal launched several business projects, locals began questioning his motives.
Entrepreneurs face heavy skepticism in the region. Many citizens assumed the movie star was simply chasing a quick payday.
“I don’t think it matters to him whether it’s Russia, Germany, or Indonesia. He goes where he can make money. That’s all,” a colleague explained.
One uncle noted that locals should have seen this coming. “What did we expect from an American?” he asked.
Packing his bags
The situation worsened when local media reported that Seagal was quietly selling his estate near Moscow. This real estate move triggered widespread outrage.
“Steven Seagal seems to be afraid of gunfire. He’ll be returning to the States soon, because it’s safer there,” a worker noted.
Some locals feel completely abandoned. Another friend argued that true citizens stay through the bad times.
“That’s not fair. He came to Russia when life was good here, and when times got tough, he sells his house. If he considers himself Russian, he shouldn’t have fled. Let him face his problems with us,” the friend said.
Facing the reality
Today, the former action hero rarely inspires awe on the capital streets. Residents now view him as just another wealthy foreigner.
One skeptical colleague suggested a much more authentic test of his loyalty. “If Steven Seagal loves Russia so much, let him try living like an average Russian: in an ordinary apartment building and on an ordinary pension. Then we’ll see if he truly loves our country,” they challenged.
The average local pension recently hit just 25,469 rubles. That harsh financial reality sits a world away from a luxury estate.
