"Sure, Greta is kind, but emotions should not control this issue," said Putin. 

"Go and explain to developing countries why they should continue living in poverty and not be like Sweden," he added, before saying that it was deplorable how some groups are using Thunberg to achieve their own goals. 

In her speech last week, Thunberg lashed out at the United Nations - saying "You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words." 

Thunberg also filed a legal complaint accusing five countries of inaction on global warming - drawing the ire of French President Emmanuel Macron, and many others who noted that she's left China out of her diatribes and lawsuit, despite being the world's worst polluter by total volume.