Outward-Looking Russia

UK media reported, generally with amusement, that a Russian delegate from FIFA had criticised London for alcohol and crime issues, prompting this to the Independent:

Sirs,

I cannot help but giggle at the idea of the Russian FIFA delegate for the bidding for the 2018 World Cup slagging off London for alcohol and crime issues. This from a country that consumes more vodka than drinking water and that is run from the very top by corrupt Mafia gangs and asset thieves!

Could it be that the country has finally developed a sense of humour which has reached the dizzy heights of Germany’s?

Paul Harper