Speaking in Russian to the NBC presenter Megyn Kelly, Mr. Putin spoke of “Russkie,” a term denoting ethnic Russians in opposition to other nationalities living in the country. Many Russian Jews have long self-identified as separate from ethnic Russians — a source of confusion among Americans who may miss the nuance. Mr. Putin is clued up on political sensitivities in the West, and often seems to delight in skirting right along the edge of what is acceptable to Western audiences. Mr. Trump said last year that Mr. Putin had assured him the Russians did not interfere in the campaign. “I really believe that when he tells me that, he means it,” Mr. Trump said at the time.

Source: New York Times March 12, 2018 15:01 UTC