Alwaght- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed concern that the United States is planning to ignite chaos during the country’s upcoming 2018 presidential election.
“In response to our alleged interference in their election, [the Americans] want to create problems with the presidential election in Russia,” Putin stated Thursday.In order to do so, Washington might use its “broad connections and dependency” mechanisms in the Olympics committee, the Russian leader said during his official visit to the city of Chelyabinsk.
The president said he is “worried” and has “strong suspicions” the US might attempt to create a certain “disgruntled” atmosphere in the sports community, as the 2018 Winter Olympic games and the election in Russia will closely coincide.
“If that’s the case, it’s very bad; it undermines the whole purpose of the Olympic movement.”
International sports organizations – including the IOC – are very dependent on Washington, Putin stressed. He added that the major companies paying for and providing broadcasting rights, as well as the main sponsors and advertisers, are based in the US.
Washington has repeatedly accused Moscow of meddling into the 2016 US presidential elections, while failing to provide any solid proof to back up the claims. Russia firmly rejected the allegations of any interference taking place.
