When asked, he told Butina that he does not hate America and he said that Russians and Americans have much in common and that we would naturally be friends, if it weren't for the elites and their propaganda.

He added wistfully of America, "They're losing their Christian values. They're losing their families. They're losing, literally their country. It is not anymore the same country we knew. America used to be the model for the entire world and lead and be an example. Like they say, you know, a sparkling town on a hill."