Officials in Moscow are denying accusations of involvement in efforts to interfere in U.S. elections, one day after the charges were leveled against Russia and Iran by Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe.
Reuters reported that Kremlin officials denied the accusations Thursday morning. Ratcliffe told reporters at a news conference late Wednesday that the intelligence community had identified two countries guilty of actions aimed at influencing opinion among the U.S. voters.
“We have identified that two foreign actors, Iran and Russia, have taken specific actions to influence public opinion relating to our elections,” Ratcliffe said.
Meanwhile, the Biden campaign is touting the support of Susan Molinari, who was a highly paid lobbyist for Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
The Biden campaign is touting the support of Susan Molinari, who was a highly paid lobbyist for Russian leader Vladimir Putin https://t.co/mc8UbQn1cE
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 22, 2020
He added that Russia and China are both thought to have obtained some official information collected about U.S. voters.
“Although we have not seen the same actions from Russia, we are aware that they have obtained some voter information, just as they did in 2016. Rest assured that we are prepared for the possibility of actions by those hostile to democracy,” Ratcliffe said.
Iranian officials also reportedly responded to Ratcliffe’s accusations by summoning the top Swiss diplomatic envoy in the country on Thursday. Switzerland represents U.S. interests in the country.
WATCH:
#ElectionInterference @DNI_Ratcliffe on Iran + Russia “This data can be used by foreign actors to attempt to communicate false information to registered voters that they hope will cause confusion, sow chaos” + undermine “confidence in American democracy.” pic.twitter.com/dz4wVtvZis
— Catherine Herridge (@CBS_Herridge) October 22, 2020
“Iran’s strong rejection of American officials’ repetitive, baseless and false claims was conveyed to the Swiss ambassador … As we have said before, it makes no difference for Iran who wins the U.S. election,” a foreign ministry spokesman said, according to Reuters.