Vladimir Putin says the United States is the world's only superpower

Speaking to a crowd at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum today, President Vladimir Putin surprised many when he declared that the United States of America is the world's only remaining superpower. Putin said that Russia and the rest of the world rely on a country as powerful as the US, though Washington's strength doesn't give it the right to interfere in Russia's affairs or Moscow's efforts to build a relationship with the European Union, the president argued.

Commenting on Moscow's relationship with the EU, Putin said that Russian counter-sanctions affect European countries, without influencing the United States. “But the Americans tell their partners, ‘You've got to endure it.’ Why do they have to endure it? But if that's what they want to do, then let them endure,” Putin said, adding that Moscow is prepared to work with any US president. Putin also said he hopes the next American leader “will seek to develop [US] relations” with Russia.

“America is a great power. Today, it's probably the only superpower. We accept this. We want and are ready to work with the United States,” Putin said.