Putin: Trump foes hurt U.S. with Russia probes

Russian leader also mocks critics at annual event.

MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin said Thursday the U.S. is only hurting itself with investigations of alleged col- lusion between President Donald Trump’s campaign and Russia, and the Krem- lin leader vowed he won’t allow the radical opposition at home to challenge the status quo as he seeks re-election.

At his annual news conference, Putin also mocked his most visible critic, Alexei Navalny, saying that those like the opposition leader want to drive Russia into chaos ahead of the March 18 pres- idential election in Russia.

Brimming with self-con- fidence during the nearly four-hour session, Putin reaf- firmed his denial of interfer- ence in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

“All of it was invented by people who oppose President Trump to undermine his legitimacy,” Putin said in remarks that mirrored Trump’s argu- ments. “I’m puzzled by that. People who do it are inflicting damage to the country’s domestic political situation, incapacitating the president

and showing a lack of respect to voters who cast their ballots for him.”

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the election to help Trump, a Republican, defeat Democrat Hillary Clin- ton. out heads, cal were suspicious sador Putin hacks” at Trump plenty those Sergei calling said and of last agencies’ of Russian Kislyak, their arguing them reasons month findings. Ambas- “politi- former whose lashed there to be contacts paign by sel Congress Robert are with part Mueller, and Trump’s of special the was probes coun- cam- only performing “It’s a universally his routine accepted duties. practice envoys and when even government diplomatic officials meet candidates and their teams to discuss some issues, prospects for development, trying to get an idea what they will do if they come to power and how to respond to that,” Putin said. “What is extraordinary about it and why should it trigger some sort of spy mania?”