Vladimir Putin has insisted President Trump was "not my bride and I'm not his groom" as he criticised the US for its treatment of Russian diplomats on American soil.

Last week, the Trump administration ordered Moscow to close its consulate in San Francisco and trade missions in Washington and New York.

It said the decision was in response to the Kremlin forcing the US to cut diplomatic staff in Russia, and warned it was "prepared to take further action as necessary and as warranted".

Speaking at a summit in China, the Russian President said the US order was made in "such a clearly boorish manner" which "does not reflect well on our American partners".

Image: Washington ordered the Kremlin to close its San Francisco consulate

Referencing a gaffe made by former US president George W Bush in 2007, Mr Putin said: "It's difficult to conduct a dialogue with people who confuse Austria and Australia.


"Nothing can be done about it. Probably such is the level of political culture of a certain part of the US establishment."

Mr Putin added he would order his foreign ministry to take legal action over alleged violations of property rights.

"As for our buildings and facilities, this is an unprecedented thing," he said.

"I will order the foreign ministry to go to court - and let's see just how efficient the much-praised US judiciary is."

Donald Trump's many links to Russia

Before his inauguration in January, Mr Trump said he wanted to improve Washington's ties with Russia.

However, relations have been damaged by claims Russia interfered in the presidential election and differences on foreign policy issues like Syria and North Korea.

Asked by a reporter if he was disappointed with President Trump, Mr Putin said: "Your question sounds very naive - he is not my bride and, likewise, I am not his groom".

"We are both statesmen. Every nation has interests of its own. In his activities, Trump is guided by the national interests of his country, and I by the interests of mine.

"I greatly hope that we will be able, just as the current US President said, to find some compromises while resolving bilateral and international problems…taking into account our joint responsibility for international security."