Not Climate Change But Blame Imperialism for Bad US Summer: Putin

On accusations of Russian involvement in US polls, Putin said there were no “Russian fingerprints” only allegations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressing the International Economic Forum in St Petersburg in Russia. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@KremlinRussia)

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the International Economic Forum in St Petersburg in Russia on Friday along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interactive plenary session was moderated by Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly, who questioned Putin on accusations of Russia’s involvement in the US election.

Responding to the allegations of hacking, Putin said that Donald Trump had run a more effective Presidential campaign than Hillary Clinton, and that US intelligence agencies may have faked evidence of campaign hacking.

When it came to the alleged hacking, he said there were no "Russian fingerprints”, only allegations.

What fingerprints? IP addresses can be invented. Even a 3-year-old can invent them. Not proof. There is no specific evidence, just assumptions and allegations. Nothing more.

Reports of a secret deal between Moscow and Donald Trump, before he took office as US President, were "hysteria”, Putin claimed.

“There was nothing concrete, zero. It’s just hysteria. Should I give you a pill?” Putin told a moderator when asked about a possible deal between Trump and Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he wouldn't judge Trump for quitting a landmark climate pact, but said he thought Washington could have stayed in the agreement.

The bad summer weather in Russia is due to American imperialism.

The Russian leader, who is keen to try and repair battered US-Russia ties, said he thought there was no point dwelling on Trump's decision since the US leader may be of the view that the necessary financial and other resources needed to comply with the accord may not be sufficient.

He said the 2015 Paris accord was a good document, but that Russia had not yet ratified it because it was waiting for certain technical details to be settled.

Russian officials have said they need more time to assess its potential impact on their economy, and have spoken of drafting a strategy for low-carbon development, fuelling fears among green campaigners that Moscow may not ratify the agreement.

(With inputs from Reuters)