Putin calls damaging report on US president-elect a “hoax”

World Today

Putin calls damaging report on US president-elect a "hoax"

Just days before Donald Trump’s inauguration, leaders in Moscow are speaking about the U.S. President-elect.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is accusing the outgoing Obama administration of trying to discredit Trump by spreading rumors, while Russia’s Foreign Minister said Moscow is hoping for greater cooperation with Washington under Trump. 

CGTN’s Julia Lyubova reports. Follow Julia Lyubova on Twitter @julialyubova

At a news conference in the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the outgoing U.S. administration of trying to undermine Trump’s legitimacy. And he called allegations that Moscow has compromising material on Donald Trump a hoax – being spread by his enemies.

Separately, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held his annual press conference, which was dominated by discussion of Moscow-U.S. relations. Lavrov said he hopes for an improved dialogue with the new U.S. administration, including on the Syrian conflict.

Lavrov said he has invited members of the Trump administration to the upcoming talks on Syria due to be held in Kazakhstan next week.

Russia’s top diplomat also talked about NATO and relations with the EU. Lavrov added that some European countries were considering wrecking Syria peace talks because they felt left out.

Russia’s Foreign Minister said that global terrorism was the main problem last year. Sergey Lavrov said Moscow will continue its efforts against terrorism and is open to cooperation with the U.S.