Russia makes Steven Seagal special envoy to US to help thaw relations
The action actor became a Russian citizen last year and is a martial arts expert just like President Valdimir Putin.
Sunday 5 August 2018 05:55, UK
Russia has handed Hollywood movie star Steven Seagal the task of keeping relations cordial with the United States.
The Russian foreign minister announced on Facebook that the actor will be its special envoy for humanitarian ties with the US.
It said Seagal would "facilitate relations between Russia and the United States in the humanitarian field, including cooperation in culture, arts, public and youth exchanges".
The post is unpaid.
The Hard To Kill action star is an accomplished martial artist, just like Russian president Vladimir Putin.
American Seagal, whose grandparents were Russian Jews, was granted Russian citizenship in 2016.
He has repeatedly defended Mr Putin's policies, including the annexation of Crimea.
And he has criticised the US government.
Last year, Russian enemy Ukraine banned Seagal from entering the country for five years, citing national security reasons.