25 years ago following the sinking of Russian "Kursk" submarine newly appointed president Vladimir Putin was asked by journalists about what actually happened to it, as Russian media ran wild speculations on the cause of the disaster. In response Putin only produced a rather psychopathic smile and said "it sunk". This response caused outrage in Russia, as many of the 118 crew survived the explosion but subsequently died waiting for help while Russian navy executed slow and incoherent rescue operation.