MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. The Norman Theory about the origin of Russian statehood is just one of the theories, and the history of the Russian state runs much deeper, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

He made the comment in an interview with All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company journalist Pavel Zarubin, according to a fragment that the journalist posted to Telegram.

Putin said the Norman Theory, which he laid out in an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, came under criticism from 18 century Russian scientist Mikhail Lomonosov. Putin stated that the scientist was most likely right in that "Russian statehood originated earlier."

"Even we stick to the Norman Theory, if the Novgorodians did invite Rurik to be a mediator and external protector, then it at least means Novgorod already existed and had the opportunity to invite him. Therefore, in fact, the roots of Russian statehood, of course, run much deeper," Putin said.