Vladimir Putin says Trump accusations have hurt U.S. politics

Russian President Vladimir Putin says accusations of U.S. President Donald Trump's collusion with Russia have damaged the U.S. political system and demonstrated disrespect for those who voted for Trump.

Speaking Thursday at an annual news conference, Putin again rejected claims of interference in the U.S. presidential election, saying that the accusations against Trump have been spread by his political opponents in a bid to undermine his legitimacy.

He said that he was puzzled by the infighting, which he said "inflicted damage to the domestic political situation" and showed "lack of respect for voters" who chose Trump.

He noted Trump's achievements, saying that growing markets have demonstrated investors' confidence in Trump's economic course.

He voiced hope for a recovery in the U.S.-Russian ties, emphasizing that the two countries need to cooperate on tackling global challenges.
RUSSIA'S PUTIN LAMENTS "SPYMANIA" GRIPPING WASHINGTON
Putin said on Thursday that "spymania" had been artificially whipped up between Russia and the United States, and that eventually relations between the two countries would get back to normal.

He said that contacts between Russian officials and members of U.S. President Donald Trump's team during his election campaign had been routine, but had been twisted by Trump's opponents.

Asked by a reporter what he thought about Trump's record in office, Putin said it was not for him to judge, but that he saw significant achievements from the Trump administration.
"RUSSIA WON'T BE DRAGGED INTO NEW ARMS RACE WITH U.S.A."
Putin said on Thursday that Russia would pay proper attention to the development of its army and navy, but it would not be dragged into a new arms race with the United States.

Putin, speaking at a year-end news conference, also said that Russia would not back out of its commitment to concluding a START III Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with the United States, despite what he said was Washington's wavering on arms control treaties.

PUTIN CONCERNED AT POSSIBLE US NUKE PACT PULLOUT
Putin says Russia is concerned about the U.S. considering a pullout from key nuclear arms control pacts, adding that Moscow will stick to them.

Speaking at his annual news conference, Putin said that Russia will "ensure its security without entering an arms race." He said Russia's military spending next year will amount to 2.8 trillion rubles (about $46 billion) compared to the Pentagon's budget of about $700 billion.

Putin said that Russia is particularly worried about what he described as perceived U.S. violations of the INF Treaty, a Cold-War era pact banning intermediate range missiles. The U.S. has accused Russia of pact violations — charges that Russia has denied. Putin said the U.S. accusations are part of a "propaganda" campaign to pave the way for the U.S. withdrawal.
RUSSIA WILL DEFEND IN COURT ATHLETES ACCUSED OF DOPING: PUTIN
Putin said that Russia would cooperate with the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee over its athletes accused of doping but was ready to defend their interests in courts.

"How will we build up relations with WADA and the IOC? I hope constructively, we will calmly work with them, removing those problems we do have," he said at his annual news conference. "But of course working to defend the interests of our athletes, including in civil courts."

"I know that many international officials don't want that, but what can we do? We will be forced to help our athletes to stand up for their honour and dignity in civil courts."
CONFIDENT RUSSIA TO BE READY TO HOST 2018 WORLD CUP
Putin said he was confident that Russia would have everything ready to host the 2018 soccer World Cup as it has a vast experience in holding major sports events.

"I am sure that everything will be up to standard and on time," Putin told an annual press conference.