The war vet who grabbed a chat with Putin

A determined 89-year-old veteran jostled past Vladimir Putin’s bodyguards to enjoy a face-to-face meeting with the Russian leader.

Geoff Shelton elbowed his way into a meeting with the former KGB agent during a lavish banquet held in Moscow to honour war veterans. When the startled president asked Geoff where he was from he told him “Scotland” before being warmly thanked.

The encounter topped an incredible trip to Moscow for Arctic Convoy veteran Geoff and pal David Craig. They were treated like royalty during a lavish trip to the Russian capital, arriving in limos as they were cheered through the streets, and sitting with world leaders during an incredible armed forces display through Red Square.

Geoff, 89, of Netherlee, Glasgow, said: “It was very humbling, an incredible experience. At the banquet I was next to a Russian paratrooper and I said to him I wanted to thank Mr Putin for inviting us over.

“The paratrooper told me there was no chance, protocol would not allow it. I got up immediately and made my way through the crowd and said, ‘Good afternoon, Mr Putin’.

“He was surrounded by people, they might have been security, but I just pushed my way past. The President asked where I was from, and when I told him I was from Scotland he said, ‘Welcome’, shook my hand and thanked me.”

Geoff was just 18 when he set sail from Greenock for Russia on the aircraft Carrier HMS Vindex. As lookout he endured freezing conditions on the arduous trips.

Russia has never forgotten the heroism of those who served on the Arctic Convoys. They kept supply lines open to the starving Russians despite a constant U-boat threat.

Geoff added: “In the run-up to VE Day, the Russian Consul in Edinburgh called me personally and asked if I’d like to travel to Moscow for the 70th anniversary celebrations. It’s hard to believe their kindness and their generosity.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it in my life. Right from the very beginning of the trip we wanted for nothing.”

Geoff’s fellow veteran, David Craig, of Kilmarnock, served on the SS Dover Hill, where he was a radio operator. The pair who enjoyed first class flights were met by a limousine each, which whisked them through the streets.

People recognising their white berets cheered and clapped them before a welcoming party at their plush hotel. The following day the duo were taken to Red Square for the military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day.

Geoff added: “There were thousands of chairs and viewing positions. The next thing we knew, we were on the rostrum. To our amazement, of all the veterans, from all over the world, we had priority seats. It was beyond all my expectations, I could have touched Mr Putin on the shoulder we were so close.”

Geoff and David mingled with leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Mukherjee of India and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. They were also joined by Raul Castro of Cuba, while Winston Churchill’s grandson Sir Nicholas Soames MP represented the Prime Minister.

Geoff said: “After the march-past, which was very impressive, we were taken to the Kremlin Palace. The banquet room was like nothing I’d seen before, all these tables groaning with food. I lost count after seven courses.

“The vodka and caviar were flowing. Some things I didn’t recognise, but it was most tasty. All the time, the Red Army Choir were singing in the background. It was amazing.”

David Cant, managing director of trade firm Albion who helped arrange the trip, agreed the Russian authorities couldn’t have done more.

He said: “Our war veterans were treated like royalty. The Russians remain genuinely moved by what those on the Arctic Convoys did for them during the war, and to this day they continue to teach their children about it.”