Moscow
Putin answered questions from adults and children from around the country during the highly scripted event, which he used to burnish his image as a strong leader who protects Russia from foreign threats and cares about ordinary people’s needs.
In the days before, and during the show, Russians sent more than 3 million questions to Putin, ranging from bread-and-butter troubles at home to the war in Syria. Asked about strained ties with Turkey, Ukraine and some other nations, Putin said Russia is ready for friendly relations with all but will retaliate against any hostile moves.
“We must respond, or otherwise they will sit on our neck and whip us,” Putin said.
He said the United States must abandon what he described as its “imperial ambitions” and learn to respect Russia’s legitimate interests. “If they talk to us in a respectful way, we will always be able to find solutions that will satisfy everyone,” he said. “They must simply work with Russia as an equal partner.”
He praised U.S. President Obama’s courage in saying that the failed aftermath of the 2011 intervention in Libya was the worst mistake of his presidency. “Only a very strong man could do that,” Putin said.
Asked if he would miss Obama, Putin answered with a philosophical “we all shall leave one day,” adding that he’s continuing to work actively with Obama and will also be ready to cooperate with his successor.
He refrained from picking a favorite in the U.S. presidential race, but noted that if Hillary Clinton wins it would be yet another example of members of one family winning the presidency. “Where is the change?” he said.
Putin wouldn’t say whether he will seek another six-year term in 2018.