Some have been inspired by his tough leadership style.
Others have simply fallen in love with the idea of being friends with one of the world's most powerful men.
Victor Orbán in Hungary, Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey, Matteo Salvini in Italy - and Gérard Depardieu.
The list of former friends who have distanced themselves from Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine can be made long.
And then the oligarchs.
Putin's loyal weapon bearer who, thanks to his friendship, has been able to make a fortune, and who now sees his life in luxury threatened by sanctions.
It is important to resign without mentioning Putin.
As Oleg Deripaska, who among other things owns an aluminum plant in Sundsvall, demands an end to the war and negotiations in a post on Twitter.
What has the support been like and what do all those who have been able to benefit from the proximity to Putin say today? See more in the video.