"What they are proposing is obviously a vestige of colonial thinking," Putin said at a meeting with youth organizations at the presidential residence in Zavidovo, in the Tver Region.
Russia has refused to extradite Kremlin bodyguard-turned-businessman Andrei Lugovoi, London's chief suspect in the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko, a British national, with radioactive polonium in London in November. Moscow says evidence provided by London has been insufficient, and that the Constitution expressly forbids the extradition of Russian nationals.
The row heated up last week, when the two countries expelled each others' diplomats, imposed mutual visa restrictions and suspended anti-terrorism cooperation.
British Ambassador to Russia Anthony Brenton suggested Monday that Russia could amend its Constitution to make progress in the case.
Putin retorted that London is still harboring 30 people wanted in Russia on grave charges. The most high-profile of these are fugitive tycoon Boris Berezovsky, accused of massive fraud and instigating a coup in Russia, and Chechen emissary Akhmed Zakayev, considered a terrorist by Moscow. Russia's repeated requests for the extradition of both men have been repeatedly rejected by London.
"They do not extradite people who are hiding on their territory, including individuals suspected of or charged with terrorist activities, but make serious claims to other countries and give insulting recommendations to change the Constitution," Putin said. "Partners deserve greater respect," he added.
