Russian President Vladimir Putin compared himself to Emperor Peter the Great, who also "collected the Russian lands". He said this at a  meeting with young entrepreneurs.

"Now we were at the exhibition dedicated to the 350th anniversary of Peter the Great. Almost nothing has changed, amazingly, come to this understanding. Peter the Great fought the Northern War for 21 years. It would seem that he was at war with Sweden, something he rejected. He didn't tear anything away, he gave it back, yes, that's how it is... He gave it back and strengthened it. Apparently, it was our share to return and strengthen, too," he said.