Russia Slams US Corruption Claims, Demands Proof

Warns Allegations Could Worsen Bilateral Ties

by Jason Ditz, 

Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov slammed the Obama Administration today, after a Treasury Department undersecretary made claims of widespread corruption by Russian President Vladimir Putin on a BBC program.

Peskov warned that such comments coming from a US official amounted to an “official accusation,” and warned that thismight further worsen already shaky bilateral ties between the two nations. Peskov also faulted the reporters for “irresponsible journalism” and demanded the Treasury Department provide proof of what it is claiming.

Putin has long denied allegations that he is secretly the “richest man in Europe,” and historically the US has avoided making direct comments on the question. Yesterday’s comments by the undersecretary were seen as a dramatic shift because of this.

Russia’s Security Council head was also harshly critical of the US comments, saying the US has been trying to weaken the Russian government in hopes of gaining access to their mineral resources, adding that “the US leadership has set a goal of global dominance.”

http://news.antiwar.com/2016/01/26/russia-slams-us-corruption-claims-demands-proof/