In his first interview since his May inauguration, President Vladimir Putin spoke to the state-run RT television channel Wednesday about international relations and Pussy Riot.
He said Russia is ready to work with whomever wins the U.S. presidential election in November, in reply to a question about what would happen if Republican Mitt Romney were elected.
"Regardless of whom the American people elect, we will work with them," Putin said. "But we will work together as effectively as our partners want."
Romney has been critical of Russia throughout his campaign. He told CNN earlier this year that Russia is the United States' "No. 1 geopolitical foe."
While some extracts of the RT interview were released Wednesday, the network plans to broadcast it Thursday at noon in English, Arabic and Spanish ahead of the president's speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Vladivostok.
When asked to comment about the armed conflict in Syria, Putin brought up the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. "The United States and its allies once entered Afghanistan. Now they are thinking of how to escape," he said.
The president was terse in response to a question about the imprisonment of three Pussy Riot punk rockers for performing a rambunctious "punk prayer" at a prominent Moscow Cathedral.
"I know what is going on with Pussy Riot, but I'm getting involved," he said.
During their illicit performance, the band had pleaded for the Virgin Mary to "cast Putin out." Supporters denounced the trial as politically tinged.
At the London Olympics last month, Putin said the women should not be punished "too harshly." They were later sentenced to two years in prison.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.