Russia, the lofty statue, has been present at Moscow's Ekaterina (Catherine) Hall, where Russian President Vladimir Putin has hosted numerous dignitaries, and held the recent talks on the Ukraine peace plan with the US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. All of these happened inside the Ekaterina Hall, under the steady gaze of the statue — Russia. But rarely has it been as visible—as imposingly present—as it is in India Today Group's exclusive interview with Vladimir Putin , where it stands prominently behind him.

And this is where the story becomes fascinating. That statue is not just a decor. It is a replica of the prized sculpture the USSR once refused to part with in 1900. Even as the USSR sold off its countless other artefacts for 2 million rubles to honour the offer

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