top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Depardieu: French film star and friend of Putin criticises Ukraine war

The prolific actor was granted Russian citizenship in 2013 and has regularly expressed his admiration for its president

Gérard Depardieu has been a Russian citizen since 2013 Pic: Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock

French actor Gérard Depardieu, a known friend and admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has come out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Mr Depardieu, 73, called for peace talks, saying “put down the weapons and negotiate”. 

“Russia and Ukraine have always been brotherly countries. I am against this fratricidal war,” he told French news agency AFP, who he contacted specifically to make the declaration. 

Mr Depardieu has been a citizen of Russia since 2013 after being granted it in an executive order by Mr Putin. 

Mr Depardieu said he took the citizenship as a protest against a proposed increase in taxes on the wealthy in France. He has kept his French nationality. 

He was welcomed to Russia personally by Mr Putin when he received Russian citizenship, with the president treating him to dinner. 

“I will say what I think about Putin: the Russian nation needs a person just like this, with a Russian temper. Putin is trying to return just a bit of dignity back to the people,” Mr Depardieu said after the dinner.

‘National security threat to Ukraine’

Ukraine blacklisted Mr Depardieu in 2015, effectively banning him from the country for five years.

No specific reason was given for the ban, but Ukraine's culture ministry had previously labelled Mr Depardieu as a national security threat, along with other pro-Russian international stars. 

The Ukrainian government was angered by Mr Depardieu after he supported Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. 

He also said that same year, “I love Russia and Ukraine, which is part of Russia”. 

Charged with rape

Mr Depardieu was charged in 2020 with the rape of a French woman in an incident dating back to 2018. 

The woman, Charlotte Arnould, spoke out about the situation in December 2021. 

“It’s now a year since he was charged. He is still working while I spend [all] my time surviving. This life has been passing me by for three years and I want to live without denying myself,” she said. 

Read more: ‘I can no longer stay silent’ says actress accusing Depardieu of rape

Mr Depardieu denies the accusations. He remains free but is under judicial supervision. 

He continues to work in cinema in France, starring in the film Illusions Perdues, which premiered in France in October and last week picked up seven César Awards

Mr Depardieu is one of the most prolific actors in French history, and also one of the highest earning actors. 

He has starred in over 250 films since 1967 and is best known for playing in Cyrano De Bergerac (1990) and The Man in the Iron Mask (1998). 

Related articles

Angry, helpless: Ukraine supporters protest war in small French town

How can I support Ukraine with donations or aid in France?

The war is wrong but hate towards us hurts: Russian resident of Nice

Ukraine war: How French companies with Russian links may be affected

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France