Putin Says U.S. ‘Leeching’ on World Economy, Living Beyond Means

The U.S. is “leeching” on the world economy and living beyond its means, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin told a youth camp at Lake Seliger outside Moscow.

“They are living beyond their means and transferring part of the problems onto the world economy,” Putin said. “In a way, they are leeching on the world economy.”

Congressional leaders and President Barack Obama’s administration showed “common sense and responsibility” in making a “balanced decision” and reaching a compromise on raising the country’s debt ceiling, Putin said.