Putin says Russia has never interfered in US electoral process
Speaking at a news conference after their meeting in Finland's capital Helsinki, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his speech that the Russian government had never meddled in US elections, rejecting US allegations.
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- Agencies and A News
- Published Date: 12:00 | 16 July 2018
- Modified Date: 06:32 | 16 July 2018
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday said Moscow had never interfered in the US electoral process during a joint press conference after talks with his US counterpart Donald Trump.
"Mr Trump touched on the theme of Russian interference in American elections. I had to repeat what I have already said many times before -- the Russian state has never interfered and is not planning to interfere in the USA's internal affairs," Putin said.
Putin said his summit meeting with US leader Donald Trump was "very successful", following several hours of talks in Helsinki.
"I consider them (talks) very successful and useful," Putin told a news conference alongside Trump, praising the "frank and business-like atmosphere" of the summit.
"It is obvious to everyone that international relations live through a difficult period ... The Cold War has ended a long time ago, the situation in the world has drastically changed. Russia and the United States are now facing totally different challenges."
Putin said the meeting marked the first steps to restore "an acceptable level of trust and go back to previous level of interaction on all mutual interest issues".
"As far as Syria is concerned the task of establishing peace and reconciliation in this country could be the first showcase example of successful joint work."