EU prepares sanctions against American pro-Putin actor Steven Seagal

The Daily News reports.

American actor and aikido master Steven Seagal may face European Union sanctions after attending the inauguration of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

The action movie star, known for his friendship with the Kremlin leader, called the Kremlin chief "the greatest world leader." The actor added that under Putin's leadership, Russia's future "will be the best."

According to the EU Observer, Seagal may face sanctions, which are currently being finalized by EU officials. It is not yet known what kind of sanctions will affect the actor.

Seagal supported Putin's invasion of Crimea in 2014 and continues to support Russia's aggression. He was banned from entering Ukraine in 2017 after becoming a Russian citizen. The following year, he was appointed humanitarian representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry in the United States.

In 2021, Hollywood actor Steven Seagal joined the pro-government Russian party A Just Russia. Seagal received Russian citizenship in 2016, and was personally handed his passport by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2018, the actor became the Foreign Ministry's special representative for humanitarian relations with the United States.

In February 2023, Putin awarded the 72-year-old actor with the Russian Order of Friendship, after which Seagal allegedly declared himself "one million percent Russian."