The Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that teenage activist Greta Thunberg is "poorly informed" on climate change issues.
He criticised the 16-year-old today saying that she does not understand complex global issues.
Speaking at an energy forum in Moscow, Mr Putin also suggested she was manipulated into making unrealistic demands during her UN speech last month.
He also said he was not "excited" by Ms Thunberg.
Mr Putin called her a "kind and sincere girl" but said: "I don't share exultation about Greta Thunberg".
He added: "It's deplorable when someone is using children and teenagers in their interests.
"Go and explain to developing countries why they should continue living in poverty and not be like Sweden."
During her recent speech in New York, Ms Thunberg criticised world leaders for not doing enough to tackle climate change.
She told them them they had "stolen" her "dreams and childhood" with their "empty words".
Mr Putin says Russia has fulfilled its obligations under an international agreement to tackle global warming.
Ms Thunberg has since updated her Twitter profile to read: "A kind but poorly informed teenager."
