Putin: Who Is Obama to Judge, Seriously?
Russian President Vladimir Putin was interviewed by CNBC during an economic conference in St. Petersburg, Russia and discussed the recently strained relationship between him and Obama and his country and the United States. He rejected the notion that the relationship is strained, pointing out that while the U.S. insists it is suspending military cooperation with Russia it had not suspended transit of military cargo to Afghanistan, "because this is something they need, and we don't refuse." He also pointed to Iran's nuclear program and counterterrorism as other common agenda items, and said he hoped Syria would be one too.
Putin also addressed President Obama's comments on Russian actions in Ukraine. NBC News reports:
"Who is he to judge?" Putin said, according to an interpreter. "Who is he to judge, seriously? If he wants to judge people, why doesn't he get a job in court somewhere?"
"I don't think he accused me," Putin went on. "It's his point of view. And I have my point of view when he comes to certain things."
Watch that portion of the interview here. More Reason on Ukraine here.