Trump aide to Russia: 'Don't mess with US elections'

By | October 23, 2018

Donald Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton has said alleged Russian meddling in US elections had backfired on Moscow.

Speaking at a news conference in Russia, he also said President Trump would meet Vladimir Putin next month despite ongoing tensions after the US leader threatened to pull out of a Cold War-era nuclear deal.

US national security adviser John Bolton said the leaders would meet again in Paris on 11 November following “very comprehensive and productive” talks with officials in Russia.

He said Mr Trump looked forward to the meeting and that arrangements would be made to ensure it took place.

Mr Bolton said he had lengthy discussions with the Russian president about alleged meddling in US elections, explaining that it was counter-productive for Moscow.

He said there was no evidence any meddling affected the outcome of the 2016 presidential race but said it created mistrust towards Moscow.

Russia has denied interfering with elections.

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said the meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Bolton was “interesting” but said the American’s presence displayed Washington’s willingness to maintain a dialogue with Moscow.

He said: “The discussion was business-like in nature, it was fairly substantive, I would say it was interesting.

“We view Mr Bolton’s visit as a sign the Trump administration, despite the overall situation with our relations, is ready to maintain dialogue. We also have the same readiness and intention.”

Mr Bolton said he also spoke with Mr Putin about arms control and the US president’s decision to abandon the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which was drawn up to protect America and its allies in Europe and the Far East, because of alleged violations by Moscow.

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