Putin: Russia Respects U.S. As World's "Only Superpower"

[Purveyor]

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- Vladimir Putin says Russia respects the United States as the world's only superpower, but won't accept U.S. interference in its home affairs.

"America is a great power - today probably the only superpower. We accept that," the Russian president said at Russia's main economic forum, according to the Reuters news agency. "We want to and are ready to work with the United States."

Putin said that the world, including Russia, needs a strong U.S. At the same time, Russia doesn't want the U.S. to meddle in its domestic affairs or try to prevent the European Union from developing closer economic ties with Moscow, he said.

He argued that while U.S. businesses suffered little damage from anti-Russian sanctions imposed by Washington and the EU, the damage to Europe was far greater. He said that he was wondering why the Europeans should suffer from it.

"The Americans are saying their partners should put up with it, but why should they?" Putin said.

[geek tragedy]

1. Shorter Putin: "uncle" nt