Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Tuesday warned against seeking another “reset” of U.S.-Russia relations, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin called President-elect Donald Trump saying he wanted to improve relations.
“We should place as much faith in such statements as any other made by a former KGB agent who has plunged his country into tyranny, murdered his political opponents, invaded his neighbors, threatened America’s allies, and attempted to undermine America’s elections,” McCain said in a statement.
Trump’s statements on Russia won criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike during the presidential campaign.
Trump talked on the campaign trail about cooperating with Putin in Syria against Islamic extremists. He has also complimented the Russian leader, saying he was a stronger leader than President Obama.
Trump and Putin spoke on Monday by phone, during which the president-elect said that he looked forward to a “strong and enduring” relationship with Russia and its people, according to a statement released by the transition team.
The Emergency Election Sale is now live! Get 30% to 60% off our most popular products today!