Australia's Julie Bishop Describes Putin As 'Angry' In Interview; Americans Believe Russia Military Is 'Critical Threat'

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop took part in an interview in which she responded to questions using only the popular messaging emoticons known as Emoji. She was asked about her daily routine as the foreign minister and her views about politics.

Buzzfeed described the use of popular emoticons as a “world first.” While the interview is not the most in-depth the foreign minister has done, Bishop’s emoji responses revealed some of Australia’s policies. When asked to describe Russian President Vladimir Putin, she replied with an 'angry face' emoticon.

Australia has clashed with Russia in recent months over the downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine. Among those who died in the crash were 38 Australian residents and citizens. BBC reports that pro-Russian separatists have been accused of being behind the shooting. Prime Minister Tony Abbott had confronted Mr Putin about the issue. Before the G20 summit in Brisbane last November, Mr Abbott declared that he was going to “shirtfront” the Russian president when they meet.

Russia has surpassed North Korea as the greatest enemy of the United States amid increased tensions the two nations in recent years. A Gallup poll has revealed that 18 percent of U.S. citizens view Russia as the enemy compared to only a 2 percent in 2012. Many Americans or 49 percent see Russia’s military power as the biggest threat.

The survey said 74 percent of Americans currently have unfavorable views of Russia. The poll was conducted before the ceasefire deal was brokered between the Ukraine government and the separatists. According to Gallup’s statement, despite the increase in the number of Americans who perceive Russia as a military threat, the issue still ranks behind terrorism in general, ISIS and the nuclear weapons development of Iran.

A survey conducted earlier in the month by the Levada Centre revealed that most or 81 percent of Russians have a negative perception of the United States. Gallup said the statement that relations between Russia and the U.S. can still be repaired despite the mutual disregard of the two nations.

Meanwhile, the Ukraine conflict has become a bigger crisis between Russia and the West. Sir John Sawers, former head of MI6, has warned of the “bigger and more dangerous” crisis. He said in a speech at King’s College London that any attempt by any of the Western countries to arm Ukraine will only lead to the escalation of fighting on the ground, reports BBC. He also warned of Russian cyber attacks against the West.

Sir John remarked that Western countries could “take on Moscow” by sending weapons to Ukraine and impose more sanctions. However, he believes Mr Putin would respond to such actions. “As long as Mr Putin sees the issue in terms of Russia’s own security, he will be prepared to go further than us,” notes Sir John.

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