SOCHI, May 17. /TASS/. The Kremlin believes that the investigation into Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election is an American domestic issue, which is entirely outside of Moscow’s purview, Acting Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
- Putin notes Russians charged with influencing US election 'may be brought to justice'
- Putin demands evidence of guilt of individuals accused of meddling in US election
- Court rejects US Special Counsel Mueller’s motion to postpone hearing on Russia’s case
- Kremlin slams ‘groundless’ Mueller indictment on alleged Russian meddling in US election
"The investigation [conducted by Special Counsel Robert] Mueller is not an issue for Russia’s agenda. It is a domestic American process, and we, naturally, are not going to interfere with it," he noted. "The investigation has rather abstract goals, and we are unaware of any substantial conclusions that have been drawn. Still, this is an American problem and it’s up to the Americans to solve it."
Mueller launched his ‘Russiagate’ investigation a year ago, in May 2017. To date, charges have been brought against 19 individuals, including five Americans, 13 Russian citizens and one Dutch national.
US President Donald Trump and his aides have repeatedly rejected allegations of any illegitimate contacts with Russian officials during his 2016 election campaign. Moscow has likewise refuted allegations about attempts to influence the US presidential election on numerous occasions.