Personal Experiences and Cultural Reflections

The speaker shares personal experiences from their time as an exchange student at Leningrad State University in 1972, where they may have interacted with Vladimir Putin, reflecting on the anticipation of a post-Soviet Russia. Initially believing that the end of the Soviet Union would lead to a liberating transformation, they express disappointment at the current state of Russia. They reminisce about the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Russia, revealing a deep love for its music, literature, and art. The contrast between these hopes and the reality of contemporary Russia serves to highlight the disillusionment felt by many who expected a more democratic and free society.