EXCLUSIVE: Rutland Councillor recalls her interview with Vladimir Putin
We've been speaking with Abigail MacCartney, who met the man responsible for the war in Ukraine around 20 years ago - when he first came to power.
Last updated 30th Aug 2022
A county councillor in Rutland has been telling us about the time she met and spoke with the man responsible for the war in Ukraine during a University trip to Russia.
Cllr Abigail MacCartney, who identifies as a Russophile - a person who is friendly towards or fond of Russia - met Vladimir Putin on a visit to the country 20 years ago, as part of her Russian degree at the London School of Economics.
Cllr McCartney, who speaks Russian, said: "It the interview was only about ten minutes, I don't think he really had a lot of time for a youngster like me".
"I was writing a dissertation on whether Putin was going to attempt to resurrect the Soviet Union and I was lucky enough to get an interview with him".
"I feel frankly ashamed unfortunately now to call myself a Russophile"
The Lib Dem councillor is fascinated by the history and culture of the country and even has a collection of soviet-era artwork at her home in Barrow - but she admits the conflict in Ukraine is 'chilling'.
Cllr MacCartney also says Putin has 'darkened' since they met in the early 2000s.
"When he came to power 20 years ago, he was largely seen as a positive change and a step in the right direction after the chaotic Yeltsin years", she said.
A poster showing a Russian man in the shape of a rocket holding what seems to be Sputnik.
A 'comedic' depiction of the Russian Empire and neighbouring countries.
Soviet propaganda featuring a number of farmers.
"It was almost a relief to have a sober Russian leader with a firm hand on the tiller, but not this...not what we've seen in the last 10-15 years now...not this.
"Not the bombing of hospitals, shelters, maternity units, other civilian refuges, the imprisonment of political opponents.
"I feel frankly ashamed unfortunately now to call myself a Russophile."
Cllr MacCartney was among other Rutland County Councillors to unanimously approve a motion pledging support for Ukraine.