article_snippet.sent: In Putin comments to the state-run Rossiya channel, Putin . appeared to soften Putin anti-American rhetoric after being highly .
article_snippet.sent: Putin has in the past fiercely attacked the United States .
article_snippet.sent: Putin latest remark comes two days after an annual TV phone-in .
article_snippet.sent: show in which Putin accused the United States of trying to .
article_snippet.sent: During the Thursday interview, Putin also made it clear that Russia wants an end to fighting in eastern Ukraine and is interested in rebuilding damaged ties with the United States and other Western nations.
article_snippet.sent: At the same time, Putin reaffirmed Putin long-held criticism of what Putin sees as U.S. aspirations of global domination, saying Washington must learn to treat Russia as an equal partner. '
article_snippet.sent: The main condition for restoring normal relations is to have respect for Russia and Russia interests,' Putin said on Thursday, adding that the United Statesdoesn't need allies; the United States 'doesn't need allies need vassals.'
article_snippet.sent: However, Putin criticisms of the West on Saturday were more moderate .
highlights_snippet.sent: Putin's latest remarks come two days after saying US wanted 'not allies, but vassals' 