A model who previously spent time with Vladimir Putin and was invited to Russia says the president is a “violent psychopath”.
Suzy Cortez, 31, from Brazil, went to Russia in January 2018 for a World Cup event, where she met the politician.
The Miss BumBum star, who has previously featured in Playboy, described an uncomfortable experience she had with him at a dinner, after being introduced by a representative of CBF (the Brazilian Football Confederation).
“He [Putin] squeezed my hand and stared at me for a few minutes, which freaked me out a little,” Suzy told Jam Press.
“During the whole event he would sit on a kind of throne and when he wanted to say something to me, he would talk to the secretary, and the secretary would come to me and say what he had said.
“He praised me a lot and invited me whenever I want to visit Russia. When I arrived, I used the Uber to tour Moscow.
“After Putin arrived, a government car took me where I wanted. I found it very strange because I didn’t know if he was being protected or watched.
“I stayed a week and returned to Brazil.
“When I returned to Russia during the World Cup, I did my best not to meet him because I didn’t feel comfortable with him.
“I only found him the day before the final. I spoke to him very quickly, he invited me again to visit Russia in 2019.
“I said if I could, I would come back. Then I never saw him again.
“But today I’m sure I was in danger in Moscow.
“Putin has proved to be a real violent psychopath by declaring war on Ukraine.”
The model also shared her thoughts about the Russian president on Twitter.
“I went to Russia for the Cup,” she captioned her tweet.
“I was their muse, I met Putin in person and today I threw all my shirts that I win in the trash and I had the special that adidas made very few and I also threw away the 2018 mascot that I won in Moscow. #FreeUkraine.”
The tweet struck a chord with people online.
One fan commented: “It’s unbelievable what this guy is doing!!! disgusted with that Russian.”
“Sport has nothing to do with miserable Putin. Not all Russians agree with the invasion,” said another user.
Someone else added: “We must fight for peace and save many children who owe nothing and innocent people who are being affected by Vladimir Putin.”
Suzy now hopes to visit Ukraine when the conflict is over.
She added: “What is happening in Ukraine has made me very sad and worried.
“In São Paulo where I live in Brazil, there is a giant colony of Ukrainians that own restaurants, shops and many places I go to, and I have many Ukrainian friends.
“I will participate in pro-Ukraine demonstrations here in Brazil, and as soon as they are free and well I’m going to visit Ukraine and meet my dear Ukrainian fans.”
