OTTAWA – Russia’s ambassador to Canada says the U.S. election of president-elect Donald Trump was a victory for common sense and pragmatism.
Alexander Darchiev told CTV’s “Question Period” that Trump’s presidency will provide a “promising opening for Russian-American relations,” which he acknowledged are not currently in great shape.
Trump frequently called Russian President Vladimir Putin a stronger leader than U.S. President Barack Obama during the election campaign and primaries.
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Trump also questioned American security guarantees under NATO in Europe and said he would “look into” removing sanctions imposed on Russia in relation to the conflict in the Crimea.
The U.S. Department Of Homeland Security, meanwhile, and the director of National Intelligence issued a joint statement last month that directly accused the Russian government of directing the email hack of “U.S. persons and institutions, including from U.S. political organizations.”
Darchiev told CTV the assertions of Russian interference were simply election campaign “rumours.”
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