In a recent interview, Hillary Clinton, the former US presidential candidate and secretary of state, expressed her belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin is pleased with and even instigating the growing political divide in Washington over aid to Ukraine. She argued that Putin “scores points” whenever Americans align themselves with the views promoted by outlets like RT (formerly Russia Today). Clinton accused Putin of intentionally undermining democracy and suborning political leaders in the United States.
During her interview with Geoff Bennett from PBS, Clinton was asked about how Russia perceives the opposition among American lawmakers to funding for Ukraine. In response, she claimed that Putin not only welcomes but also fuels this rift to achieve his nefarious objectives. Clinton further noted that when individuals repeat Russian talking points that initially appeared on RT or in the speeches of Russian officials, it’s a significant victory for Putin.
Despite the ideological and partisan division in Washington, Clinton urged the US Congress to address its differences and pass legislation that would ensure continued aid for Ukraine. She emphasized that the fight to support Ukraine is crucial, expressing her astonishment over Americans who align themselves with Putin. Clinton concluded by emphasizing the importance of fighting against these Russian influence campaigns.
These statements from Clinton come in the wake of the US Congress approving a 45-day stopgap government funding bill that excluded financial support for Ukraine. This decision followed demands from Republican senators to remove military aid for Ukraine from the spending bill, which could have resulted in a government shutdown.
Last week, during a speech at the State Department, Clinton also blamed Putin personally for NATO’s continued eastward expansion, which she argued was a direct consequence of Russian policies. Clinton defiantly stated, “Too bad, Vladimir. You brought it on yourself.”
The Kremlin responded to Clinton’s accusations by suggesting that she has a history of distorting facts and changing concepts. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Western countries for refusing to discuss Russia’s proposals regarding security guarantees while NATO continues to expand and move its military infrastructure closer to Russia’s borders. Peskov emphasized that Russia’s military operations are a direct result of these actions and their perceived threats.
In summary, Hillary Clinton asserts that Putin takes pleasure in the growing political divide over aid to Ukraine and actively aggravates it. She believes that Putin benefits whenever Americans echo Russian propaganda and emphasizes the importance of countering such influence campaigns. These statements come as Congress excluded support for Ukraine from a recent funding bill, and Clinton also accused Putin of being responsible for NATO’s eastward expansion. The Kremlin responded by criticizing Clinton for distorting facts and Western countries for refusing to discuss Russia’s proposed security guarantees.
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