In December 2011, Putin, then the Prime Minister of Russia, had decided to challenge the presidency again in the March 2012 election.

Befitting this, he held a luxurious banquet at the "New Century", the most expensive equestrian club in Moscow, for members of the Valdai Club and well-known scholars and journalists from all over the world.

American writers Douglas Schoen and Melik Kaylan said in a book about Russia and China: "The food at the banquet was very luxurious, including smoked trout, duck liver, venison soup, rhubarb smoothie, veal cheek meat and caramel pear soup." ”

Putin discussed topics at the banquet ranging from "the credibility of the Russian government is being lost" to "the indispensable leadership that comes from him". Then he turned the focus to the United States and addressed the Americans present.

“You ask me if we will change,”Putin said, “The ball is in your court, will you change? ”

Putin expressed dissatisfaction with the United States' plan to build a missile defense system at the banquet, believing that it was a deliberate threat to Russia's national security.

Putin later stated that the United States is interested in maintaining contact with the Russian government for only one reason, and that is that Russia is the only country that "can destroy America in half an hour or less."

Schoon and Kellan wrote: "It would be difficult to find another statement that better demonstrates Putin's true position on the United States. ”

(Translation: Wang Yinuo)