Putin Condemns "Russophobic Sentiment" In American Media, Adds: "We Know We Have A Lot Of Friends In The U.S."

At his annual public Q&A Thursday in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin took a question from an American who wanted to know how to show Americans that Russia is not their enemy. Putin condemned "Russophobic sentiments" in the Western media that are "certainly affecting the mindset" of Americans, but added: "We know that we have a lot of friends in the United States. I was told about this by the US colleagues, and opinion polls, at least held a month ago, say that we have many friends there."

"The racist Russophobia which is enveloping the U.S. what kind of advice can you give me to help clear things up, to help my compatriots, the people of Great America realize that Russia is not their enemy?" the 'American' asked.

"First of all I really appreciate your [question]. I can say as the incumbent head of the Russian state that I know the sentiments of our people. We do not consider the United States as our enemy. Furthermore, twice in history, as you probably know, when we faced the most difficult times, we united our efforts, we were allies in the two world wars," Putin said in response to the question.

He continued: "We see that Russophobia is developing in the United States. We believe that this is a result, first of all, of an intensifying internal political struggle."

"We know that we have a lot of friends in the United States. I was told about this by the US colleagues, and opinion polls, at least held a month ago, say that we have many friends there. However, unfortunately, such hysteria in the media certainly affects the mindset," Putin concluded.

Interestingly, embattled former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page said exactly the same thing about "racist Russophobia" in an appearance on MSNBC's Hardball last week