Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin snapped at a French reporter asking about Chechnya this week, saying that Chechen separatists are terrorists who want to create an Islamic state in Russia. He said if the reporter wanted to become an Islamic radical, he should come to Moscow for the required circumcision, adding, “I will recommend that they carry out the operation in such a way so that afterward, nothing else will grow.” It’s not the first time the subject of Chechnya has provoked Putin to crude language. He once vowed to wipe out the “terrorists” everywhere, even when they’re sitting on the toilet—only he used a particularly vulgar Russian word for toilet.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
A road trip through ZimbabweThe Week Recommends The country is 'friendly and relaxed', with plenty to see for those who wish to explore
-
The assassination of Malcolm XThe Explainer The civil rights leader gave furious clarity to black anger in the 1960s, but like several of his contemporaries met with a violent end
-
Assisted dying bill: is it being rushed?Talking Point Kim Leadbeater's significant changes to her landmark bill have caused consternation
