Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree granting citizenship to actor Steven Seagal, who in turn said he was “tremendously grateful for this opportunity,” TASS reported.

"I always felt that USA and Russia should be best friends and allies,” Seagal said. “Despite the unfortunate propaganda going on I remain fully committed to work tirelessly towards this end and I am tremendously grateful for this opportunity.”

"My father was pure Russian, my father’s family is primarily from Vladivostok. However, I have family from Siberia, Saint Petersburg and even Belarus. I have a tremendous amount of friends and family in Russia and former Soviet regions. I have huge respect and affection for Russia. As well as my own country," Seagal added.

In September, while attending the Edge of the World International Film Festival on Russia’s Sakhalin Island, Seagal said that he didn’t rule out becoming a Russian citizen. "I think Russian citizenship is somewhere on the horizon. I would love to spend a few months a year with my friends in Russia, with people who love me and await me here," the actor said.

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Seagal had repeatedly appealed to Russian authorities to grant him citizenship.

Seagal has starred in more than 120 movies, most of which are martial arts films.

  Russia

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