French actor Gerard Depardieu has reportedly confirmed that he requested the Russian passport that he was granted on January 3.
Russia's Channel 1 TV reports Depardieu wrote an open letter to the Russian media saying that he was "pleased" his request was accepted by President Vladimir Putin.
He acknowledged his love for Putin, which he said was "mutual."
The 63-year-old Depardieu said it was "good to live in Russia," and describes it as "a great democracy."
He ended the letter by writing "Long live Russia!"
Depardieu is involved in a bitter tax dispute with French authorities.
France's Socialist President Francois Hollande plans to impose a 75 percent tax on income of over 1 million euros ($1.3 million).
Russia has a flat income-tax rate of 13 percent.
Russia's Channel 1 TV reports Depardieu wrote an open letter to the Russian media saying that he was "pleased" his request was accepted by President Vladimir Putin.
He acknowledged his love for Putin, which he said was "mutual."
The 63-year-old Depardieu said it was "good to live in Russia," and describes it as "a great democracy."
He ended the letter by writing "Long live Russia!"
Depardieu is involved in a bitter tax dispute with French authorities.
France's Socialist President Francois Hollande plans to impose a 75 percent tax on income of over 1 million euros ($1.3 million).
Russia has a flat income-tax rate of 13 percent.