In October 2007, Mikhalkov, who produced a television program for Putin's 55th birthday, co-signed an open letter asking Putin not to step down after the expiry of his term in office.
En outubro de 2007, Mikhalkov, que produciu un programa de televisión para o 55.º aniversario de Putin, asinou unha carta aberta pedíndolle abandonase o cargo tras rematar o seu tempo no goberno.