MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. The US is facing a lot of problems at home so Washington should make agreements with Moscow because it will defend its interests until the end, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Tucker Carlson published on the US journalist’s website.

Commenting on US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s remark that the US has to continue to fund Ukraine or US soldier citizens could wind up fighting there, Putin said that it was "a cheap provocation."

"Don't you have anything better to do? You have issues on the border. Issues with migration, issues with the national debt. More than $33 trillion," Putin noted. "Wouldn't it be better to negotiate with Russia? Make an agreement. Already understanding the situation that is developing today, realizing that Russia will fight for its interests to the end. And realizing this, actually return to common sense, start respecting our country and its interests and look for certain solutions. It seems to me that this is much smarter and more rational," Putin stressed.

"I do not understand why American soldiers should fight in Ukraine. There are mercenaries from the United States. The bigger number of mercenaries comes from Poland, with mercenaries from the United States in second place and mercenaries from Georgia in third place. Well, if somebody has the desire to send regular troops, that would certainly bring humanity to the brink of a very serious global conflict. This is obvious," the Russian leader pointed out.