Carney also noted that Putin benefited in his op-ed from the American ideal of freedom of speech contained in the First Amendment.
"It's worth also pointing out that there's a great irony that, in the placement of an op-ed like this -- because it reflects the truly exceptional tradition in this country of freedom of expression," Carney said.
Carney also was asked about Secretary of State John Kerry's comment that a military response "might" be required if no diplomatic solution is reached requiring Syria to turn over its chemical weapons.
The administration to this point has been firmer in its statements that military action would be required absent a diplomatic solution, which led some to read Kerry's remarks as backing away from that position.
"He said 'might,' and I think that allows for a variety of things that might happen in the coming days and weeks," Carney said.