Putin on Russia meddling in election: ‘Read my lips. No.’
President Vladimir Putin on Thursday slammed accusations that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, calling them "lies" used for "domestic American politics."
When asked if Russia interfered, Putin said, "Read my lips: No."
"All those things are fictional, illusory and provocations, lies. All these are used for domestic American political agendas. The anti-Russian card is played by different political forces inside the United States to trade on that and consolidate their positions inside," Putin said on a CNBC-moderated panel at the International Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk.
Earlier this month, FBI Director James Comey confirmed the FBI was investigating Russian interference, including communications between Trump associates and Russian officials.
President Trump tweeted on March 20 that any suggestion that his associates coordinated efforts with Russian officials was "fake news.''
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"(Former national intelligence director) James Clapper and others stated that there is no evidence Potus colluded with Russia," Trump tweeted. "This story is FAKE NEWS and everyone knows it!"
The president added during an early morning series of tweets: "The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign. Big advantage in Electoral College & lost!"
The president added: "The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign. Big advantage in Electoral College & lost!"
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