In a rare, televised interview with American media, Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned the tensions in Ferguson, Missouri to prove a point about democracy.

Putin, who appeared on 60 Minutes this past Sunday, made the statements in response to correspondent Charlie Rose’s comment about eliminating negative perceptions of Russia.

“Well, a lot can be done,” said Putin. “But not everyone succeeds with everything from the very start. How long did it take the democratic process to develop in the United States? Do you believe that everything is perfect now from the point of view of democracy in the United States? If everything was perfect there wouldn’t be the problem of Ferguson. There would be no abuse by the police. But our task is to see all these problems and to respond properly.”