NEW YORK, November 1. /TASS/. Investigations of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) into Russia’s alleged role in the American presidential campaign established no links yet between Donald Trump, a presidential candidate from the Republican Party, and the Russian government, New York Times daily reported on Monday.
"Law enforcement officials say that none of the investigations so far have found any conclusive or direct link between Mr. Trump and the Russian government," according to the daily.
"And even the hacking into Democratic emails, FBI and intelligence officials now believe, was aimed at disrupting the presidential election rather than electing Mr. Trump," the daily reported.
- Moscow says still no evidence from US proving alleged Russian hacker attacks
- Poll: 35% Russians believe Trump’s win would better match Russia’s national interests
- Poll suggests nearly half of Donald Trump’s supporters describe Russia as ally
- Kremlin calls Trump’s statements on Russia 'election rhetoric'
- Expert: Russia-US ties unlikely to get boost even if Trump wins
- Putin says Russia has no intention to influence US election campaign
Too close to election to blame Russia
US broadcaster CNBC reported that FBI chief James Comey spoke against US authorities’ decision to blame Russia of cyberattacks on the e-mail systems of American politicians and organizations.
Citing an unnamed former FBI official, CNBC reported that Comey used to argue that it was too close to the US Presidential Election Day to publicly blame Russia for meddling in the US election, however, he agreed that a foreign country was behind the attack of hackers.
CNBC cited its source as saying that "A foreign power was trying to undermine the election. He (FBI chief) believed it to be true, but was against putting it out before the election."
The source said that the position of the FBI chief was that "if it is said, it shouldn't come from the FBI, which as you'll recall it did not."
On October 7, the Department of Homeland Security and The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said in a statement that: "The U.S. intelligence community is confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of emails from U.S. persons and institutions, including from U.S. political organizations… These thefts and disclosures are intended to interfere with the U.S. election process."
Whistleblowing website WikiLeaks posted in July hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee. Presidential candidate from the Democratic Party Hillary Clinton accused Russian hackers. US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper also suggested Russia was behind the hacks. Kremlin has repeatedly denied the accusations.