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US-Russia relationship 'worse' than Cold War era: Trump

April 11, 2018 21:15 IST

Trump also warned Russia that it should "get ready" for missiles to be fired at its ally Syria, in response to an alleged chemical attack.

The United States's relationship with Russia is worse than the Cold War era, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday and blamed special investigator Robert Mueller's "fake and corrupt" investigations into the Russian meddling in 2016 election for the "bad blood" between the two countries.

In a series of tweets, Trump also called for an end to the arms race between the two countries.

 

"Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?" Trump said.

Attacking Mueller, he tweeted, "Much of the bad blood with Russia is caused by the Fake & Corrupt Russia Investigation, headed up by the all Democrat loyalists, or people that worked for Obama. Mueller is most conflicted of all (except Rosenstein who signed FISA & Comey letter). No Collusion, so they go crazy!”

Special counsel Mueller was appointed in May to investigate Russian efforts to tip the 2016 presidential election in Trump's favour.

Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration over the mainstream media and the opposition Democratic leaders over the probe.

The US president also accused The New York Times of writing a "phony story" over a report that Mueller's office is looking into a payment that a Ukrainian steel magnate made to Trump's charitable foundation in exchange for a video appearance.

"The Failing New York Times wrote another phony story. It was political pundit Doug Schoen, not a Ukrainian businessman, who asked me to do a short speech by phone (Skype), hosted by Doug, in Ukraine. I was very positive about Ukraine-another negative to the Fake Russia C story!” he said.

“So much Fake News about what is going on in the White House. Very calm and calculated with a big focus on open and fair trade with China, the coming North Korea meeting and, of course, the vicious gas attack in Syria. Feels great to have Bolton & Larry K on board,” he said referring to the two new members of his national security team.

Trump suggested that the Federal Bureau of Investigation raid at the offices of his private lawyer Michael D Cohen in New York was the result of the special counsel investigation that he said has found no collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia.

"I (we) are doing things that nobody thought possible, despite the never ending and corrupt Russia Investigation, which takes tremendous time and focus. No Collusion or Obstruction (other than I fight back), so now they do the Unthinkable, and RAID a lawyers office for information! BAD!" Trump said.

In response to an alleged chemical attack in Syria, Trump while warning Russia, said that US missiles "will be coming" in retaliation for an alleged chemical weapons attack on civilians.

"Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! You shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!," he said on Twitter.

Lalit K Jha
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