Putin: What are we seeing in the United States? We are seeing the
continuation of an acute internal political struggle despite the fact that the presidential election is over and it ended in Mr Trump’s convincing victory. Nevertheless, in my opinion, several goals are being set in this struggle.
The first
is to undermine the legitimacy of the US president-elect. By the way, in this regard, I would like to point out that whether deliberately or not,
these people are causing enormous damage to US interests. The impression is that, after a practice run in Kiev,
they are now ready to organise a Maidan in Washington to prevent Trump from taking office.
The second goal is
to tie the new president’s hands as he works to fulfil the campaign promises he made to the American people both at home and abroad. Well, think, how can anything be done to improve Russian-US relations if red herrings such as interference by hackers in the election campaign are trotted out? Although to reiterate, hackers – whoever they are – did not compile anything; they did not make anything up; they only disclosed material. Or, especially, if Russian special services have some compromising material on the president-elect.
Look,
I am not acquainted with Mr Trump. I have never met him. I do not know what he will do in the international arena, so I have no reason either to attack him or criticise him for whatever reason or to defend him, no matter what. However, these leaks are obviously fabricated.
People who order these kinds of fabrications, which are now being used to smear the US President-elect, and
use it to advance their political agenda are worse than prostitutes. They have no moral constraints at all. By the way, Russia is constantly dealing with such people, our opponents. The fact that such methods are being used against the President-elect of the United States is certainly unparalleled and has never happened before.
This indicates the significant level of degradation among political elites in the West, including the United States.
But I very much hope that common sense will prevail. This applies to relations between the United States and its allies, including in Europe. After all,
it is the current outgoing administration that has involved many European political leaders in the US domestic political fight. Today's problems are the result of these activities.
I am sure that major mutual interests will set things right. Things will fall into place eventually. By the same token, I am sure, we will eventually be able to return to normal state-to-state relations in the interests of both
the peoples of Europe and the peoples of Russia and the United States, which will contribute to advancing the global economy, stabilising the international situation and providing security.
Joint news conference with President of Moldova Igor Dodon
