Tensions between Russia and the U.S. may remained strained, but U.S. President Barack Obama said he would "absolutely" save Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin from drowning if such a situation were to arise.
Speaking at a press conference during his tour of South Korea, Obama said he would like to think he would save anyone from drowning — not least the Russian president.
"I used to be a pretty good swimmer — I grew up in Hawaii — but I'm a little out of practice," Obama said in a video uploaded to YouTube.
Obama was responding to a comment made by Putin during his annual call-in show earlier this month.
When asked whether he thought Obama would save him from drowning, Putin said he was sure that the American president would do so, describing him as a "decent" and "courageous" man.
Obama's light-hearted response comes as the U.S. prepares to push for increased sanctions against Russia over its supposed unwillingness to de-escalate tensions in eastern Ukraine, where separatists have seized several regional administrative buildings.
Obama said Friday he would be speaking with EU leaders later that day about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Reuters reported.
Read More:
Putin Says Obama Would Save Him From Drowning
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
