Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that the impeachment of U.S. President Donald Trump was based on "made-up" grounds, adding he did not believe it marked the end of the U.S. president.
"It still needs to go through the Senate, where the Republicans have a majority," Putin said at his end-of-year news conference, describing the charges as "simply the continuation of an internal political fight" between Democrats and Republicans.
U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during a campaign rally in Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S., December 18, 2019. /Reuters Photo
Putin said he believed this was only a pretext used by the Democrats to impeach Trump after failing to corner him over claims that Moscow interfered in the presidential elections that brought him to power.
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"The Democrats accused Trump of a plot with Russia, and then it emerged that there was no kind of plot. It could not be the basis of an impeachment," said Putin. "Then they thought up some kind of pressure on Ukraine."
Putin also answered other key questions at the mega presser.
On WADA ban
The decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to punish Russia was politically charged, which is not only unfair, but also contrary to international law, Putin said at the press conference.
"Would it benefit the world sports? I don't think so," Putin said, stressing his country is doing everything "to make sure Russian sport is clean."
Earlier in December, WADA banned Russia's colors and anthem from events, including the Olympics, for four years as punishment for providing doctored laboratory data. Putin also answered other key questions at the mega presser.
On New START
Russia and the U.S. should base bilateral relations on protecting global security, for which the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) should be maintained, said Putin.
Moscow and Washington signed the treaty in 2010, which stipulates the limits to the numbers of various strategic weapons possessed by both parties. The agreement can be extended for at most five years with the consent of the two countries.
On Minsk Agreements
"There is nothing other than the Minsk (peace) Agreements. I was of course concerned by (Ukrainian President) Zelensky's statement... that they could be revised," Putin said.
"If a revision of the Minsk Agreements starts, then the situation could enter a complete dead end."
On gas transit
Russia will maintain gas transit to Europe through Ukraine despite the route's high price tag, Putin said, noting that Russia does not seek a contract for a certain period in order to later stop transit through Ukraine.
"Despite the construction of new infrastructure facilities, such as Nord Stream, Nord Stream 2 and Turk Stream, we will maintain transit through Ukraine," he said.
On Russia-China relations
Putin said Russia and China will strengthen bilateral ties, which will benefit people of both countries and help maintain global stability.
"The role of our interaction with China is very important. We will strengthen our multifaceted strategic ties, and I'm sure both peoples of China and Russia will benefit," he said.
"There is no doubt that Russian-Chinese cooperation is a most important factor of international stability, including in promoting international law and in creating a multipolar world," he added.
(With input from agencies)