Support The Moscow Times!

Russian Foreign Ministry Confirms Contact With Trump's Campaign

AP/Evan Vucci

Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed that it had contact with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's campaign team prior to Tuesday's election. 

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told journalists on Thursday that his ministry had such contacts during the campaign and would continue to maintain them afterward. When asked if Russia would try to intensify those contacts, Ryabkov said that it would depend on the situation and issues Russia faces.

Read about how Russians greeted Trump's victory

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed his hopes for better U.S.-Russia relations in a press conference following a meeting in Benin.

"We certainly hope that the relations between Russia and the United States, which are now experiencing a very, very unfavorable period, will improve and become normal, that meets the interests of our peoples and the interests of the entire international community," Lavrov said.

Read our analysis of what Trump means for the future of U.S.-Russia relations

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more