You're reading: Putin amused by obscene remark on ballot photo published in Kommersant Vlast

MOSCOW - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said he was amused by an obscene remark inscribed on a ballot whose photograph was published in Kommersant Vlast, which led to the dismissal of the magazine's editor-in-chief.

This phrase was written on a ballot "in London, where people came to the embassy to cast their ballots," Putin said during his annual Q&A session broadcast live on Thursday.

"But we know who gathered in London and why they refuse to return to Russia. And their desire to insult me is linked to their own wish to return to Russia, which they cannot do as long as I sit here," the prime minister said.

Putin said he was not holding a grudge against the author of this phrase.

"I called on all people to vote, and they did as I asked. I will praise them for it," he said.

Putin asked the presenter, who, however, refused, to say this phrase out loud.

"I saw this remark. It amused me a lot and even made me laugh," the prime minister said.

"There is nothing new about this attitude," he said, recalling the early 2000s, which saw the height of the counter-terrorism campaign in the North Caucasus.

"I saw and heard everything about me then. Our Western partners were certainly trying particularly hard. I saw all kinds of scary cartoons then," Putin said.

"I was confident at that time that I was doing everything right and I am confident that I am doing everything right today as well," he said.