MOSCOW — In the latest interview given by Andrei Lugovoi, the man Britain wants Russia to extradite for poisoning the dissident Alexander Litvinenko with radioactive polonium in London last fall, there was a remarkable moment that has not been fully appreciated. Lugovoi, still rather diffident but with unmistakable pride, mentioned that when he is seen in public, he usually finds himself surrounded by people who want to shake his hand, congratulate him on his valor, and ask for his autograph.
"Well, have you thought about a career in politics?" the interviewer asked.
Unfortunately, the interviewer did not pursue the matter any further. This is a pity, because Lugovoi's status in Russia tells us much about my country in the seventh year of President Vladimir Putin's rule.