Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly dismissed recent claims of back-channel communications with former U.S. President Donald Trump, calling the allegations “complete nonsense.” Speaking at a press conference following the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Putin addressed NBC’s question about veteran journalist Bob Woodward’s new book Wars, which reports that Trump and Putin allegedly spoke at least seven times since Trump’s term ended.
“There were no contacts back then, and there are none now,” Putin asserted to the crowd of local and international journalists. Referring to accusations of Russian interference in U.S. elections, Putin shrugged off the claims as recycled political tactics, stating that prior U.S. investigations had already ruled out such connections. “At one time, we were accused of this, and Trump himself of being somehow connected with Russia,” Putin remarked. “Congress itself concluded that this was complete nonsense.”
Putin’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over foreign interference as Americans prepare to elect a new president on November 5. U.S.-Russian relations, already at an all-time low since the 2022 escalation of the Ukraine conflict, could hinge on the direction of the next U.S. administration. Putin suggested that a potential normalization of diplomatic ties depends on the policies of the incoming U.S. leadership.
Under the Biden administration, a strict sanctions regime has targeted Russia’s economy, dealing a significant blow to Russian financial and trade networks. While Putin did not address the possibility of easing tensions under a new U.S. president, his statements point to Russia’s ongoing frustration with U.S. foreign policy toward Moscow.
As international focus remains on Russia’s role in the Ukraine conflict and alleged election interference, the stakes are higher than ever for the upcoming U.S. elections. In an era of strained global alliances, Putin’s comments at the BRICS Summit underscore his unwillingness to concede to U.S. accusations—and raise questions about the future of U.S.-Russia relations.
