Vladimir Putin, in the best case scenario for Russia, is a pathological liar who believes the West is comprised of clueless stooges. In the worst case, he actually thinks he's telling the truth, hence being completely deranged. The Guardian reports:

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has said that the situation surrounding proposed US missile defence facilities in Eastern Europe has similarities to the Cuban missile crisis of the 1960s. "Such a threat is being set up on our borders," Putin said at a news conference at the conclusion of an EU-Russian summit in Portugal. But Putin suggested the tension was much lower than during the Cuban crisis when America confronted Russia over Soviet missiles secretly installed on the island a short distance from the US mainland. Mr Putin said relations between Russia and the US have moved on since the Cold War. He said he feels the US is listening to Moscow's concerns about its missile plans. Mr Putin added that his relationship with President Bush, whom he called a friend, helped iron out problems.