Russia: Putin wishes Europe had "real independence and sovereignty" from US foreign policy

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Europe to regain its "independence" and "sovereignty" from the machinations of the geopolitical self-interest of the United States in an interview in St. Petersburg, Tuesday. Accusing the US government of spreading its influence across the world, the Russian leader blamed the US for the influx of migrants Europe is currently faced with, a criticism of US foreign policy in North Africa and the Middle East. The Russian president however expressed the belief that the US should not be demonised, praising the nation's rise and labelling it a "great power." The Russian leader finished the interview by calling for greater cooperation between Russia and the US in order to find "solutions" to problems and crises, citing the Iranian nuclear deal as an example of success.