Kremlin distances itself from Flynn’s resignation
THE Kremlin insisted yesterday that the resignation of Donald Trump’s security adviser, Michael Flynn, over contacts with the Russian government was Washington’s internal affair.
The White House said late on Monday that Trump had accepted Flynn’s resignation amid allegations the retired three-star general – who once headed US military intelligence – discussed US sanctions strategy with Russia’s ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, before taking office.
“This is the internal business of the Americans; it is the internal business of President Trump’s administration,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Flynn admitted he inadvertently briefed the now Vice-President Mike Pence with incomplete information about his calls with Kislyak.
Pence had publicly defended Flynn, saying he did not discuss sanctions, putting his own credibility into question.
US media reported on Monday that the Justice Department had warned the White House that Flynn had misled senior administration officials about the contents of his talks with Kislyak, and that it could make him vulnerable to Russian blackmail.
The Kremlin has previously denied Flynn and Kislyak discussed the lifting of US sanctions.
The resignation of the top aide is a first stunning departure from Trump’s inner circle, less than a month after his inauguration. Flynn, who has previously met President Vladimir Putin, was a vocal supporter of a softer policy on Russia after ties plunged over Moscow’s meddling in Ukraine and allegations of interference in the US election.
The Kremlin is hoping Trump will follow through on his pledge to improve relations with Russia and may eventually wind back damaging sanctions.
Russian lawmakers were quick to throw their backing behind Flynn after his exit, describing his departure as an attack against attempts to restore ties between Moscow and Washington.
“Regarding my phone calls with the Russian ambassador, I have sincerely apologised to the president and vice-president, and they have accepted my apology,” Flynn’s letter, which was released by the White House, read.
Flynn’s resignation came after details of the calls were made public, increasing pressure on Trump to take action.