Lavrov's Strong Criticism of US Intelligence Agencies Regarding Trump's 'Connection' with Russia

Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, on Tuesday, January 28, sharply criticized US intelligence agencies regarding reports of Donald Trump's connections with Russia, stating that any claims of Moscow's cyber attacks and interference in European elections are 'fantasies.' In his annual press conference in Moscow, Lavrov also stated that all those in US intelligence agencies who, according to him, tried to prove that the elected President of the United States has conciliatory relations with Russia should be dismissed, 'because their work has been worthless.' In this context, he referred to a former British spy who prepared a dossier on potential communications between Mr. Trump and Russia as a 'charlatan.' According to a report by US intelligence agencies in early January, Vladimir Putin personally ordered the execution of a campaign for cyber attacks and the distortion of media reports aimed at undermining the electoral activities of Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate in the 2016 presidential election. These agencies stated that Russian state media also pursued a policy of supporting Donald Trump. The report indicates that US security agencies rely on various intelligence sources with a 'high degree of confidence' that Vladimir Putin ordered the execution of this campaign to influence votes in the US presidential election. Russia has denied this report and the allegations of interference in the US presidential election. Nevertheless, Mr. Trump acknowledged on January 22 the 'possibility of Russian involvement in cyber attacks' during the US presidential campaign, stating that he believes Russia did it. He also added that 'the main culprit for the cyber breach in the US was the weakness of the Democrats' computer system.' Moscow's readiness to discuss with Donald Trump Sergey Lavrov, in another part of his remarks, announced that Moscow expects to begin discussions with the new US government on issues related to strategic stability, such as nuclear weapons. He added that specific topics such as the US missile shield in Europe, space weapons, and nuclear tests could be raised in these discussions. The Russian Foreign Minister stated that Moscow is ready to exchange views with Donald Trump's government after he takes office in the White House. Trump's four-year presidential term begins on January 20. Sergey Lavrov also mentioned that Moscow does not interpret Mr. Trump's recent statements regarding reaching a nuclear agreement. The US President-elect had suggested in an interview with the London Times and Germany's Bild that it might be possible to end some sanctions against Russia in exchange for a new agreement with Moscow on nuclear weapons. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, he stated that he would like the nuclear arsenals of the United States and Russia to be 'significantly reduced.' Hope for US participation in peace talks on Syria in Astana The Russian Foreign Minister expressed hope that representatives of the new US government would participate in the peace talks on Syria scheduled for January 23 in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. This statement comes as the US has been significantly sidelined from the joint diplomacy of Russia and Turkey regarding Syria. Mr. Lavrov also said he hopes for more effective cooperation between Russia and the US regarding Syria compared to the Obama presidency. Moscow is considered one of the main supporters of Bashar al-Assad's government in the recent six-year civil war in the country. Donald Trump, during his election campaign, expressed hope that if he won the election, he would cooperate with Russia to combat groups like the 'Islamic State' in Syria.