Jean-Claude Van Damme Proposes Peaceful Visit to Russia Amid Controversy
In a surprising video shared on Telegram by pro-Russian Ukrainian journalist Diana Panchenko, actor and former bodybuilder Jean-Claude Van Damme reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing his wish to visit Russia as an “ambassador of peace.”
Panchenko, who faces treason charges from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in 2023, presented Van Damme’s message in which the Belgian star expressed his readiness to travel to Russia to promote peace, according to Euronews.
“We want to come to Russia. We will try to approach it the way you prefer, as an ambassador of peace. I would cherish that very much… It would be an honor for me to hold such a title,” Van Damme shared in the video.
🇺🇸🇺🇦🇷🇺 The famous American actor Jean Claude Van Damme said that he loves Vladimir Putin very much and is going to come to Russia soon as an “ambassador of peace”. pic.twitter.com/BqDWtlZRDr
— Маrina Wolf (@volkova_ma57183) April 16, 2025
The action star recounted a somewhat bizarre anecdote about a past encounter with Putin at a martial arts event in Sochi, noting that “their shoes touched.” Van Damme has visited Russia previously, participating in various cultural and sporting events in 2007 and 2010.
Concluding the video, the actor, often referred to as “Muscles from Brussels,” said: “Let’s do this. Ambassador of peace. We won’t discuss politics — just peace, sports, and happiness. We love you very much.” He ended his message by blowing a kiss to Russia and sending a large one to Putin and his family.
In addition to his affectionate remarks about Russia, Van Damme is currently entangled in a scandal garnering international media attention. Earlier this month, reports emerged suggesting that the actor met with individuals suspected of involvement in sex trafficking, who allegedly offered him five Romanian models for sexual purposes.
Romania’s Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) reportedly filed a criminal complaint related to this event, which is said to have occurred in Cannes, though no specific date has been provided.
Adrian Cuculis, a lawyer representing one of the alleged victims, stated: “At an event organized by Jean-Claude Van Damme in Cannes, some Romanian citizens — currently under investigation for forming a criminal group and exploiting prostitution — are suspected of offering Van Damme five well-known Romanian models for sexual intercourse.” He also noted that “the person who received these ‘services’ was aware of their condition.”
Van Damme has categorically denied any wrongdoing, asserting through his agent, Patrick Goavec, that the allegations are “baseless.”
“We have been informed of several articles discussing an alleged incident in Cannes involving Mr. Jean-Claude Van Damme,” the statement read. “The alleged events are ridiculous and untrue. Mr. Van Damme does not wish to comment further or engage with what is as absurd as it is unfounded.”
