Press TV: „The US is seeking vassals rather than allies“ – what does Putin exactly mean by that statement?

Babich: Well, I think that in general Prime Minister Putin is not anti-American but, of course, he has been disappointed by a lot of moves that the United States made during his two terms in office and also under President Medvedev. Russia made many friendly steps towards the United States but America never reciprocated.

Basically, I think when Putin said it, he meant that the United States does not trust the countries which actually view the United States positively. Its own allies in Europe, the United States doesn‘t believe them, doesn‘t trust them.

Certainly a country like Russia, I don‘t think Russia is anti-American but the United States does not trust Russia either. They want total obedience. And that‘s why Putin used the word “vassal” instead of an ally.