Obama says Putin is undermining "European unity"

Obama says Putin is undermining "European unity"

Europe's migrant crisis is "also a problem for the United States," he said, and added:

"But more importantly, more strategically, is the strain it's putting on Europe's politics, the way that it advances far-right nationalism, the degree to which it is encouraging a break-up of European unity, that in some cases, is being exploited by somebody like Mr. Putin."

According to Obama, another thing Putin sees as a threat is "NATO, the European Union and transatlantic unity."

"Now, I think he's mistaken about that. I've indicated to him that, in fact, a strong, unified Europe working with a strong, outward-looking Russia, that's the right recipe. So far, he has not been entirely persuaded," the U.S. president said at the end of his tour of the Middle East and Europe.

Obama "also urged Britain not to vote to leave the European Union in a referendum in June," the French agency reported.