26 June, 2017
'He (Vladimir Putin) makes the point that all these countries (like Australia) are vessels or you might even say hostages but they are not allies because the United States listens in on all its allies'. And when asked who his successor might be, Putin said: "I am still working".
Putin's annual Q&A sessions are notorious for generating softball questions for the president.
The remarks appeared on-screen in an apparent glitch, AFP reported. The Kremlin strongman said the United States is afraid of what he described as "serious competitor". "Those who violate the law must answer for these violations".
Putin spoke only briefly and obliquely about the opposition protests that swept Moscow and other Russian cities on Monday, organised by opposition politician and anti-corruption campaigner Alexei Navalny.
Perhaps the biggest softball of the night came from one man who asked "What is the largest fish you have ever caught?", to which Putin replied "20 kilograms".
"First of all I really appreciate your [question]".
The 64-year-old Russian leader is widely expected to seek another six-year term in the March 2018 vote, but he hasn't declared his intentions.
He also openly disputed claims of Russian meddling in the 2016 us presidential elections made by acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe.
"The racist Russophobia which is enveloping the US what kind of advice can you give me to help clear things up, to help my compatriots, the people of Great America realize that Russian Federation is not their enemy?" the "American" asked.
"What's the difference between the Federal Bureau of Investigation director and Mr. Snowden?" "And if he faces pressure, then we are happy to offer him political asylum, too".
Putin was speaking on a televised phone-in event two days before before Russian Federation faces New Zealand in the opening game of the Confederations Cup, a key World Cup warm-up event.
Comey, who was overseeing the probe of Russia's involvement in the US elections, was recently sacked by US President Trump. Putin said, referring to former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, who was granted asylum in Russian Federation in 2013 after leaking classified information about US spy operations. He said he wants to keep them out of the spotlight so they can grow up "normally".
Putin said the global conjuncture and low prices in traditional goods, oil and gas, chemicals had a "bigger" effect on the Russian economy than the sanctions.
".they won't be left alone if they're identified as the grandchildren of the President", he said.
