Obama teasing Putin: 'Russia produces nothing"

U.S. President Barack Obama sends a swipe at Russian President Vladimir Putin on the ongoing crisis in eastern Ukraine.

"It is important to maintain perspective," Obama said in an interview with The Economist, "when asked about Russia's role as one of the largest and most important economies in the world. Obama hinted that Putin's aggressive intervention in Ukraine will lead to economic decline in Russia, in view of the economic sanctions imposed by the West on Russia.

"Russia does not produce anything," added Obama. "Russian immigrants to Moscow are in search of opportunity. Life expectancy for males in Russia is only 60 years. Population there is shrinking."

Russia, it should be noted, is an important energy source for Europe and one of the world's largest oil and gas powers. It provides a third of the energy consumed by the EU and 40% of which passes through Ukraine. China also recently signed a huge gas deal with Russia in the amount of $ 400 billion.

"I think President Putin represents a more harmful long-term vision for Russia," Obama said. "But in the near term is enjoying great popularity at home and criticism abroad.

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