Putin Wanted to Hang Georgian President 'by the Balls'

Vladimir Putin would’ve had the Russian army destroy the Georgian government and hang President Mikhail Saakashvili “by the balls” if Nicolas Sarkozy hadn’t intervened, the Times of London reports. In a transcript of August’s cease-fire negotiations leaked by the French president’s office, Putin says he intends to overthrow Georgia; Sarkozy responds that the world will not accept his actions.

“I am going to hang Saakashvili by the balls,” Putin threatens; after Sarkozy’s surprised response, the Russian prime minister continues, “Why not? The Americans hanged Saddam Hussein.” Sarkozy: “Yes but do you want to end up like President Bush?” A momentarily puzzled Putin rejoins, “Ah, you have scored a point there.”
(More Nicolas Sarkozy stories.)