In a bizarre interview on Good Morning Britain, the ex-Formula One supremo, 91, said the Russian president was "sensible" and claimed the war in Ukraine was not "intentional".
His comments come after this week's missile strike on a shopping mall in Ukraine, which was branded a war crime by Western leaders.
Asked if he still regards Putin as a friend, Ecclestone replied: "I'd still take a bullet for him. I'd rather it didn't hurt, but if it does I'd still take a bullet, because he's a first-class person.
This story is from the June 30, 2022 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the June 30, 2022 edition of Evening Standard.
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