B-52 in Moscow

2003 in Russia: President - Vladimir Putin.

President Bush, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands,

during a news conference at Camp David, Maryland, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003.

ZHUKOVSKY AIRFIELD, Russia (AFPN) -- One of the most famous Cold War icons, the B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber, landed here Aug. 20, 2003 to participate in the 6th Moscow Space and Aviation Show.

This is the first public display in Russia for the B-52, an aircraft designed to deliver nuclear bombs into the former Soviet Union during the Cold War.

“For half of my career, I never thought I would be standing here watching American airplanes land on this airfield,” said Col. Stephen Mueller, the 52nd Fighter Wing commander from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and the U.S. military’s mission commander at the air show. “The B-52 is a great symbol of the Cold War and of the nuclear standoff between the former Soviet Union and the U.S. This B-52 landing puts finality to that era and opens a new one to security cooperation with the Russian military.”

The Queen hosts Vladimir Putin in June 2003.

4 years later:

Excuse me, I'd like to buy your B-52.

9 years later:

Vladimir Putin: 'the godfather of a mafia clan'.

Kazys:)

12 years later:

Vladimir Putin’s approval rating is at record levels, with nine out of 10 Russians saying they have a positive view of their president. Putin had an approval of 87% in July, and an all-time high of 89% in June, according to Levada Centre polling.