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Amid apparent bemusement over what he termed American “political schizophrenia,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday he’ll share with Congress a written transcript of President Donald Trump’s now-controversial meeting with Russian officials earlier this month.
On Monday, the Washington Post alleged that during last week’s White House meeting, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergei Kislyak, Trump shared highly classified information about plans by ISIS to attack commercial jets. The White House has denied the allegation. National security adviser H.R. McMaster has said the story is false.
While speaking to reporters Wednesday, Putin joked about the matter, poking fun at the idea that secrets were exchanged.
“I spoke to him (Lavrov) today,” said Putin. “I’ll be forced to issue him with a reprimand because he did not share these secrets with us. Not with me, nor with representatives of Russia’s intelligence services. It was very bad of him.”
In a more serious vein, Putin, who said Lavrov’s meeting with Trump was rated “highly,” said Russia will give the U.S. a meeting transcript.
“If the administration of the United States deems this possible, we will be ready to provide a transcript of the Lavrov-Trump meeting to the U.S. Senate and Congress,” Putin said, adding, “it will happen if the U.S. administration wishes so.”
“We are prepared to go there and explain our point of view to Congress if necessary,” he added.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov later said Russia has a written transcript, but no audio recording.
Putin said “political schizophrenia” has seized Washington, impeding Trump’s ability to function was president.
“It’s hard to imagine what else can these people who generate such nonsense and rubbish can dream up next,” said Putin.
“What surprises me is that they are shaking up the domestic political situation using anti-Russian slogans,” he said. “Either they don’t understand the damage they’re doing to their own country, in which case they are simply stupid, or they understand everything, in which case they are dangerous and corrupt.”
Rep. Adam B. Schiff, D-Calif., the Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, dismissed Putin’s offer.
“Probably the last person the person (Trump) needs to vouch for him right now is Vladimir Putin,” he said on the CBS show This Morning. “Sure, send it our way. But its credibility would be less than zero.”
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