In 1998, a Ukrainian restaurateur met Putin — here’s what she remembers

Margarita Sichkar’s encounter with Vladimir Putin

According to Главком: Margarita Sichkar, a Ukrainian restaurateur, author, and public figure, has recounted a dinner meeting with Vladimir Putin in 1998, when he served as Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. The meal took place at her restaurant "Hetman" on Arbat Street in Moscow. Putin arrived at the venue alongside Ukraine’s then-Prime Minister, Valeriy Pustovoitenko.

The event was prearranged, and the restaurant was closed to the public for the visit. "I get a call from the embassy: Putin and Pustovoitenko are coming to your restaurant! Prepare for the visit! I get everything ready, line everyone up, the restaurant on Arbat is closed, FSB agents are walking around," Sichkar recalls.

During the preparations, FSB representatives took food samples, and the Ukrainian delegation was also present.

Impressions from the meeting

Sichkar noted that Pustovoitenko suggested Putin sit at the same table as her. The dinner lasted about an hour and a half. "The doors open, and he dashes in. Little Putin - yes, he’s small. I wasn’t expecting that. People said he was short, but I didn’t think he’d be that tiny. Like a child," she describes her initial reaction.

• Sichkar also observed Putin’s behavior during the meal.
• "He reminded me of a little rat. He sat there, eyes darting, constantly looking around, turning his head. He was more silent than talkative - he barely said anything," she added.
• According to her, Putin asked about the dishes but otherwise remained reserved.

"I think he has no ability to charm a woman. Others do that for him," Sichkar said, commenting on his conversational style.

This encounter has become notable, and recently Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recalled his own meeting with Putin in Paris in 2019 as part of the Normandy Format. Sichkar emphasized that if she had known how Putin’s political career would end, her impression might have been different: "If I had known… I don’t have psychic abilities to see the future."

Sichkar’s 1998 meeting with Putin offers a firsthand glimpse into interactions between Ukrainian and Russian officials at the time. It highlights how personal encounters can reflect shifting political dynamics. Her observations about Putin’s demeanor also show how individual traits can shape public perceptions of political leaders.

As Sichkar reflects on her memorable encounter with Putin, it’s interesting to consider how his approach has evolved over the years. Recently, he has been scrutinized for his inquiries regarding military movements, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. To understand the implications of these troop advances, read more about Putin's latest questions about troop progress towards Zaporizhzhia.