Russia trying to 'BREAK apart Europe' with pro-Putin propaganda, Trump security aide says

Trump's security aide warns that Russia is trying to break Europe apart with propaganda

کد خبر: ۷۱۹۳۰۳

تاریخ: ۱۶ مرداد ۱۳۹۶ - ۰۹:۴۳

H.R. McMaster said during an interview on Sunday with MSNCBC’s Hugh Hewitt that "the nature of the Russian regime is one person,” Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Mr Hewitt asked about the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 American Presidential election.

Mr McMaster said it was a: "sophisticated campaign of subversion, disinformation and propaganda that is going every day in an effort to break apart Europe and that pits political groups against each other ... to sow dissension and conspiracy theories.”

However, he did not elaborate on specific actions by Russia, but criticised Russia’s role in the Syrian civil war and its support for Iran.

McMaster also said that there should be consequences for Russia’s "destabilising behaviour”, but they should still cooperate with Russia on certain national security goals, such as deescalating tensions with North Korea.

Tensions between the two powers are currently running high as days ago Mr Trump signed fresh sanctions against Russia.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and US President Donald Trump talking during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg

In response, Russia seized two US diplomatic properties and ordered all American embassy staff and consulates to reduce their overall numbers from 1,200 to 445 people.

Mr Trump issued a statement criticising the law, urging US lawmakers not to use the measures to hinder the thawing in relations between the two superpowers or frustrate efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis.

The statement says: "While I favour tough measures to punish and deter aggressive and destabilising behavior by Iran, North Korea, and Russia, this legislation is significantly flawed.

"In its haste to pass this legislation, the Congress included a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions.

The law restricts Mr Trump’s ability to lift the sanctions.

Congress pushed ahead with the sanctions in response to Russia’s suspected interference in last year’s presidential election as well as the Ukraine conflict and annexing of Crimea.

Mr Trump said in his statement he will not tolerate interference in the US’ democratic process.