Taking Names

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Martial Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin rolled out the red carpet for Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme and a score of grizzled martial arts fighters in St. Petersburg, Russia's state-run television reported yesterday.

Mr. Putin treated the fighters to tea and cakes at the chandelier-lined hall of the Konstantinovsky Palace following a mixed martial arts contest.

Dubbed "Russia versus America," Saturday's contest was won by Russian champion Fedor Yemelyanenko who defeated U.S. rival Matt "The Law" Lindland.

Television footage showed Mr. Putin, a judo enthusiast, dressed entirely in black and with no tie, greeting Mr. Van Damme in the sports hall.

The ultra-violent fights were interspersed with dancing by women in revealing red dresses. Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, a friend of Mr. Putin's, was also reported to be in the audience.

Mr. Putin was shown on Rossiya television embracing Mr. Yemelyanenko after his fight and later hosting him at the tea party where cupcakes were served on a candlelit table.

"You have a very tough sport, but it is not without dignity and respect toward your partner," Mr. Putin said. "Brave people are in this sport."

Mr. Van Damme, the star of a string of martial arts films, described the occasion as an honor, Vesti television reported.

"I know that officials can give speeches, but what the president just said was not a political speech, but that of a person speaking from the heart," he said, according to a Russian translation.