In a shocking revelation, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s colleague Fabrizio Cicchitto claimed that Vladimir Putin once cut out the heart of a deer on a hunting trip with Berlusconi in 2013. This incident reportedly showcased Putin’s “violent nature,” according to Berlusconi, who was taken aback by the Russian president’s actions. Putin, who had initially handed his rifle to Berlusconi, went on to shoot two deer, quarter one of them, and pulled out its heart as Berlusconi looked on in disbelief. The bleeding organ was then served to Berlusconi on a tray, with someone from Putin’s entourage claiming it would be an exceptional meal. Berlusconi later speculated that the incident may have been a part of a hunter’s custom, as per Cicchitto’s recollection.
While Putin has previously admitted to staging some of his wildlife stunts, his hunting trip with Berlusconi left a lasting impression on the former Italian prime minister. Despite the controversial nature of the incident, it appeared to have resonated with Berlusconi, who passed away in 2023. The episode took place at one of Putin’s vacation homes and shed light on a different side of Putin, contrary to his kind and rational public image. Berlusconi expressed surprise at witnessing Putin’s violent side during the hunting trip, as he was not prepared for such behavior from the Russian leader.
The incident added to the already controversial relationship between Berlusconi and Putin, as the two leaders faced backlash for their exchanges during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Berlusconi, known for his scandal-ridden tenure as Italy’s prime minister, had a history of trading gifts with Putin, which drew criticism amid the geopolitical tensions surrounding the invasion. The hunting trip further highlighted the unconventional dynamics of their friendship, with Putin’s actions leaving a lasting impact on Berlusconi’s perception of the Russian president. Despite their shared interests in hunting and camaraderie, the incident revealed a darker side of Putin that caught Berlusconi off guard.
Cicchitto’s account of the hunting trip shed light on a rare moment of vulnerability from Putin, showcasing a side of the Russian leader that was unknown to many. The spectacle of cutting out a deer’s heart and serving it to Berlusconi on a tray illustrated a different aspect of Putin’s personality, one that contrasted with his public image as a diplomatic and composed statesman. Berlusconi’s reaction to the incident hinted at the complexity of his relationship with Putin and the unexpected revelations that emerged during their time together. While the exact reasoning behind Putin’s actions remains unclear, the hunting trip underscored the unpredictable nature of their interactions and the lasting impact it had on Berlusconi’s perception of Putin.
Overall, the story of Putin cutting out a deer’s heart on a hunting trip with Berlusconi provided a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics between two world leaders and the unexpected turns their friendship could take. The shocking nature of the incident and the subsequent reactions from those involved highlighted the complexities of political relationships and the unforeseen events that could shape them. As Putin’s reputation as a strong and assertive leader clashed with Berlusconi’s perception of him during the hunting trip, it served as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of diplomacy and the hidden aspects of world leaders’ personalities.
