Russian President Vladimir Putin says he "likes" Republican Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) because of his "patriotism."
Putin made the comment during an interview with American filmmaker Oliver Stone. The full interview will air on ShowTime over the course of four nights, beginning Monday, according to ShowTime's YouTube video description.
ShowTime released Thursday a short clip of the exchange, in which Stone asked Putin about the possibility that the U.S. might soon lift sanctions on Russia. Stone noted McCain's adamant opposition to President Donald Trump's administration lifting restrictions of any kind on the Kremlin.
"You know, unfortunately, there are many senators like that in the United States," Putin said.
The video then showed a clip of McCain on the Senate floor saying that there is "no moral equivalence" between the U.S. and Russia. The statement came in response to Trump saying during an interview with former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly, "What, you think our country's so innocent?"
Despite McCain calling Putin a "butcher" and a "thug," however, the Russian president did offer some kinder words for the Arizona senator.
"Well, honestly, I like Sen. McCain to a certain extent," Putin said as Stone began laughing.
"And I'm not joking," Putin continued. "I like him because of his patriotism. And I can relate to his consistency in fighting for the interests of his own country."
But Putin found some fault with McCain in that he said the senator still lives in the past.
"People with such convictions like the senator you mentioned, they still live in the old world. And they're reluctant to look into the future. They are unwilling to recognize how fast the world is changing. They do not see the real threat. And they cannot leave behind the past, which is always dragging them back," Putin said of McCain.
The Russian president went on to note a variety of threats, including international terrorism. Putin also cited poverty, "environmental deterioration," and nuclear armament as potential global threats.
"It would be good for us to give it some thought. There are many issues to address," Putin said.
(H/T: Daily Caller)
