Russian PM says he wouldn’t save the leaders of Turkey or Ukraine if they were drowning
Hard guy Vlad brutally honest after being 'put on the spot' by 12-year-old schoolgirl on scripted TV call-in show
VLADIMIR Putin made political waves by saying he wouldn't save the political leaders of Turkey or Ukraine if either were drowning.
The outspoken Russian Premier's shock statement came after he was 'grilled' by a 12-year-old on his marathon call-in television show.
The 63-year-old responded to the schoolgirl's question during the well-scripted annual TV production.
The girl asked if he would save Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Petro
If someone decided to get drowned, it’s impossible to save him.
Vladimir Putin,
Poroshenko if they were drowning and who would he would save first.
Putin responded that "if someone decided to get drowned, it's impossible to save him."
But he added: "Of course, we are ready to lend a helping hand and a hand of friendship to any of our partners if they want that themselves."
Tensions between Russia and Turkey have been strained since a Russian fighter jet was downed by Turkish forces last year.
Hostilities between Ukraine and Russia stem from the latter's military incursions and the annexing of Crimea.
Putin uses the annual event to reinforce his image as a hardline leader who protects Russia from foreign threats while caring about the needs of everyday folk.
Ahead of the show, Russians sent more than a million questions ranging from economic troubles at home to the situation in Syria and Ukraine.
But the first question came from a woman from the Siberian region of Omsk who complained about potholes.