(ANSA) - MOSCOW - ''Putin is number one in Europe for foreign policy'', and his Orthodox Russia, ''unlike the weak West, is a bulwark against Islam''. And at the present time, we have to cope with Islam ''by flexing our muscles'': Michele Placido, on his visit to Moscow on the occasion of an evening dedicated to Dante, did not hesitate to defend and praise the Kremlin leader and his ''muscular'' policy.

''Looking at internal policy - he explained speaking to Italian news agencies - I can understand the contradictions, especially the criticism of the opposition, probably because his methods were not exactly democratic, but talking about foreign policy, Putin is number one in Europe, and he's even more genuine than Mrs Merkel and the French''.

''Putin - he continued - is the most capable leader and has an international stature. The times we are living may require people who have more courage and clarity, and who are able to take their historical responsibility''. ''I understand why Americans do not love him, but I think that someone like Putin is more useful to Europe than we may think. If I were Europe, I'd be really careful, in order to avoid transforming him into an enemy''. (ANSA).