Putin on US administration: 'It’s difficult to talk with people who confuse Austria and Australia'
'Americans are a great people if they can endure so many people with such a low level of political culture,' Russian president says
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Vladimir Putin has mocked the state of US politics by joking that it is "difficult to have a dialogue with people who confuse Austria and Australia".
"There is nothing to do about it. Apparently that’s the level of political culture of a certain part of the American establishment," the Russian President said, according to state funded broadcaster, RT.
He added: "America is really a great nation and the Americans are a great people if they can endure so many people with such a low level of political culture."
Mr Putin was referring to a 2007 gaffe by former US President George W Bush, when he thanked then-Australian leader John Howard for visiting Austrian troops in Iraq.
Mr Bush also mixed up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) during a speech to business leaders in Sydney.
Speaking at a news conference, Mr Putin refrained from making any criticism of current President Donald Trump. He dismissed a question about whether Mr Trump was "naive."
Instead he said Mr Trump was "not my bride, and I'm not his groom."
Asked how Russia would feel if Mr Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be "absolutely wrong" for Russia to discuss domestic US politics.
Russian officials cheered Mr Trump when he was elected last year, and Mr Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with his country.
However, further US sanctions on Russia and the US decision to close the Russian consulate in San Francisco have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart.
Additional reporting from agencies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments