The Russian president said last month that he thought Depardieu’s dispute with the French government was the result of a misunderstanding. French officials had probably not meant to offend the star, but artists were particularly sensitive to criticism, he opined. “I understand Mr Depardieu’s feelings,” said Mr Putin, adding: “We have established very pleasant personal relations, friendly relations, even though we haven’t seen each other often, and I know that he considers himself a Frenchman, he loves his country very much, its history and culture; he lives it.”