Swedish Anders, 60, on his time with Putin in the 1990s
Anders Hedman, a 60-year-old Swede, describes Vladimir Putin as his natural business partner in the 1990s, when Putin was a West-friendly official who admired Scandinavia and Carl Bildt. He insists it is the same Vladimir he knew, despite Putin now being a West-hostile dictator threatening Scandinavia with war. Hedman recounts their close relationship, including weekend trips.
Anders Hedman, 60, shares his memories of working closely with Vladimir Putin in the 1990s. Back then, Putin was a West-friendly official who looked up to Scandinavia and Swedish politician Carl Bildt. Today, Putin is portrayed as a West-hostile dictator threatening Scandinavia with war, but Hedman sees no change.
"It is exactly the same Vladimir that I knew in the 90s," Hedman says about his former business partner. He describes Putin as his "natural partner" in business. Their relationship was so close that they went on weekend trips together. "As close as one can get," Hedman comments.
Hedman also recounts Putin's skill in power games and money matters: "Super skilled." The article highlights the contrast between Putin's past and present image, based on Hedman's personal experiences. Hedman worked with Putin during a time when Russia was opening up to the West, but he emphasizes the continuity in Putin's personality.